You may be surprised to learn that if you’re living with hearing loss in the U.S., you could qualify for free captioned phones—thanks to FCC-funded programs. These innovative devices make it possible to read real-time captions during your conversations, helping you stay confidently connected wherever life takes you. While you might be familiar with the large captioned landline phones, there are now captioning apps that bring the same accessible technology right to your mobile device, so you can stay connected wherever life takes you
Please note: Because these programs are federally funded by the FCC, you may be asked to provide personal information to verify eligibility.
These services are available at no cost to qualified individuals, thanks to Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and support from the FCC. Title IV requires telephone companies to provide accessible communication services for people who have difficulty hearing or speaking, including specialized phones and captioning solutions that make phone conversations possible through text or video.
A colleague told me they use phone captioning even when they don’t always need it—just having the option to check the text helps catch anything they might miss. When I tried it myself, it only took a short while to adjust, and it was especially useful with a caller who had a thick accent or when the connection wasn’t great. The best part: the person on the other end has no idea you’re using captions, so you can maintain your privacy and confidence in any conversation. If you’re new to these features, watching a brief tutorial can make it even easier to get started.
Living with hearing loss means there will be times when communication is challenging. Although there is no cure, using available tools can make everyday life easier. Exploring different resources—like captioned phones and apps—can help you stay informed, maintain connections, and manage these situations more effectively.