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.
While the setup process varies by app, most follow similar steps:
Please note: Because these programs are federally funded by the FCC, you may be asked to provide personal information to verify eligibility.
Some captioned telephone services are available at no cost to elgible individuals through federally funded telecommunications relay programs. Elgibility requirements and funding vary by proivder. Visit each provders website for current information. Some captioning services are supported through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Telecommunicatins Relay Services (TRS) program which helps make telephone communication more accessible for people with hearing loss.
Many people find that using captins helps them catch words they might otherwise miss, especially when talking with someone who has an unfamiliar accent, speaks quickly, or when the connection isn't clear. Because captoins are visible only to the user, the person on the other end of the call typically isn't aware they are being used..
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.
*The captioning applictions mentioned above are provided as examples for educational purposes only. Envoy Medical does not endorse of have a commercial relationship with these services. Features, elgibility requirments, pricing, and availability may change. Please visit each providers website for the most current information.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications or hearing health.