As you advance in age, chances are that you will start grappling with hearing loss. This can be inconveniencing as you might not be able to hear what the recipient on the other end is saying. In most cases, some people turn up the volumes of their devices in order to hear the other person on the line properly. However, this does not always work for those people suffering from hearing loss. The good news is that Clear Caption phones have revolutionized the way such people receive the message from the other person on the line. Unlike other conventional devices, these one usually displays the text of the phone conversation on its screen whenever you are on a call. As a result, you will be able to read what the other person is saying on phone with minimal or no strain. Since all this happens in real-time, be certain that you will not miss any important detail. The good news is that Clear Captions offers home phone free of charge to individuals suffering from hearing loss so that they can use captions anytime they want to make or receive a phone call. To learn more about Clear caption free phones, read this article and you will be good to go.
About Clear Caption Free Phone Service
Like we have mentioned above, Clear Caption phones are ideal for those individuals who suffer from hearing loss. In most cases, these devices come with a keypad, handset and an integrated screen that shows the text of the phone conversation anytime you are on a call in real time. Once your call is connected, the other person on the line will hear you speak as usual but his conversation with you will appear on a screen in form of a text message.
As far as this call is concerned, it is imperative to note that it goes via a Captioned Telephone Service (CTS).This service mainly relies on captioning experts and state-of-the art technology that is able to recognize different voices in order to transcribe conversations into captions. Once this happens, you will be able to see a caption on your phone’s screen.
Although there are instances when there might be delays whenever certain words are uttered, modern technology has made it possible to eliminate all these delays. Consequently, you will be able to read everything your recipient is saying on the other side of the line.
When it comes to free captioning services, it is important to note that it regulated by the Federal Communication Communications Commission Telephone Relay Services. However, this service is offered by a fund created via the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you qualify for this service, you will be able to get a free home phone or be able to use their apps on recommended phones and tablet
Types of Clear Caption Free Phone Service
Some of the Clear Caption free phone service providers include:
1. Cap Tel
To start with, this is the nation’s leading carrier when it comes to the provision of caption phones. As we speak, it has one of the most sophisticated technology that helps to cater for the needs of those suffering from hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is at the initial stages or at the full brown stage, be certain that this company will get a model that suits your needs.
It is important to note that this company offers 4 caption models, where 3 of them can use the internet. However, the other one is analog and thus works like a basic home phone. Since these models come with an easy-to-read screen display, most users like investing in them.
2. ClearCaptions
Besides Cap Tel, ClearCaptions is another reputable carrier that offers call captioning services to those people who suffer from hearing loss. Since it is certified by FCC, trust that you will get a reliable model that will suit your needs.
Unlike other companies, this one offers one single model. This model comes with a built-in touchscreen that allows you to read various texts as the caller speaks on the other end of the line. This company not only offers a captioning model free of charge but also free installation services. Additionally, you will enjoy tech support services anytime you are in need.
3. CaptionCall
This carrier does not offer a plethora of caption models. However, the company offers a reliable caption calling phone that works like a normal phone but allows you to access the internet. When using any of this carrier’s models, you will be connected to a live captioning expert that works in real-time. Since this company offers one of the most accurate captions, most users find it worth investing in its models.
Ways to get a Clear Caption Free Phone
There are two ways that can enable you to get a Clear Caption free phone. These ways include:
1. Get one from a caption phone service provider
If you want to get your Clear Caption free phone via this method, you have to choose your preferred carrier first. Thankfully, there are several Clear Caption free phone providers that you can work with.
Some good examples include ClearCaptions, Cap Tel, CaptionCall, among others. Once you choose your desired carrier, visit its official website and then log in with your details. Thereafter, fill in your details and then the customer service team of that carrier will inform you how you can carry one from there.
Once the doctor certifies that you have a hearing loss problem, he or she will help you fill a form that will be sent to a Clear Caption phone company of your choice for eligibility determination. Once your certification has been approved, the company on the other end will mail the device to your home address.
Here, the phone will arrive with the instructions on how to configure it. Since these devices work like home phone, you will just need to connect them to a power supply and a phone line and you will be good to go.
2. Talk to your preferred audiologist
Besides contacting your desired Clear Caption free phone service provider, you can now get one by asking your preferred healthcare service provider or audiologist to help you get started. If you choose this method, you have to discuss the hearing loss problem with this expert and then allow him or her to perform some tests in order to establish if you are eligible for a Clear Caption free phone or not.
Requirements Eligibility for Clear Caption Free Phone
If you want to be eligible for the Clear Caption free phone service, you need to either self-certify that you are suffering from hearing loss that needs you to utilize a caption phone or get a professional Certification form from a specialist that deals with hearing issues. As for the latter, your preferred medical provider can be able to conduct several tests in order to establish that you are qualified to enjoy the Clear Caption free phone.
Since different Clear Caption free phone service providers have different eligibility requirements, there is a need for you to reach out to your desired carrier and then get the much-needed advice and insights on that matter.
Besides meeting the eligibility requirements, you will be required to submit vital details about yourself. Some of these details include:
- Your name in full
- Your telephone number
- Your address
- The last 4 digits of your SSN
- Your date of birth
Finally, you must be a resident of the United States for you to enjoy this service. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the details mentioned above, you will be able to enjoy the Clear Caption free phone services free of charge.
Certified For ClearCaptions Service
To be certified for Clear Captions free phone service, you must prove that you have a hearing loss that prompts you to use a caption phone in order to communicate with the other person on phone. Like we have mentioned above, you can either self-certify or get a certification form from a professional that deals with hearing loss problem.
Depending on your preferred Clear Caption free phone service provider, here are the links that you can click and download a self-certification form:
- ClearCaptions– “clearcaptions.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Prof_Cert_Form_202001.pdf”
- CaptionCall– “captioncall.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1121-245_Request-for-CaptionCall-Certification-Form_f3.pdf” or “captioncall-bucket.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/08083658/113_FORM_SelfCert_TA20322_FINAL.pdf”.
- CapTel– “captel.com/support/thirdparty.pdf”
Procedure to Use a Clear Caption Free Phone
The process of using a Clear Caption free phone is not difficult per se. All you need to do is to ensure that your device is connected to a power supply and a phone line. Thereafter, once you make a phone call or receive one, the captioning service will be activated. Here, it will start typing what the caller is saying on the other end. Consequently, this text will be displayed on your Clear Caption free phone’s screen.
Common Problem and Troubleshoot of Clear Caption Free Phone
Sometimes, your Clear Caption free phone might fail to work due to a number of issues. Some of the issues that can make this happen include:
- You changed your network provider recently
- You have not yet updated your device’s firmware
- You have not placed the handset firmly in the cradle
- There is a power outage in your home
- Your device has bugs
To deal with the above-mentioned issues, consider doing the following:
- If you changed your network service provider just recently, ensure that you reconnect the internet cable to the Clear Caption free phone. In case you are using a Wi-Fi network, ensure that you update the password and then get started.
- Supposing there is a power outage in your locality due to storm or rationing by your power service provider, make sure that you restart your Clear Caption free phone once power supply resumes.
- If possible, restart your device once in a while in order to get rid of bugs that might be present on your Clear Caption free phone.
- Ensure that your Clear Caption free phone is using the latest software. This way, it should be able to offer the much-needed awesome captioning experience.
- In case you have not placed the handset firmly in the cradle, make sure that you do it on the go. By doing so, your device will not hang up and thus will always ring properly anytime you are receiving phone calls.
Benefits of Clear Caption Free Phone for Hearing Loss Person
The Clear Caption free phone offers tons of benefits to its users. Some of these benefits include:
- It allows you to understand what the other caller wanted to say in details
- You will not need someone to answer the phone call on your behalf. This goes a long way in increasing self-reliance especially among the seniors.
- It boosts your self-confidence in the long run.
- It helps you to remain connected with those whom you love.
- It offers you some peace of mind as you will know how your friend or loved one is fairing on, even when he or she is away from your home.
FAQ
Supposing I do not qualify for the Clear Caption free phone, what should I do?
If you do not qualify for the Clear Caption free phone, worry not as you can purchase this device at a budget-friendly price. For instance, CapTel sells this device for as little as $75 online. You can also check for this device on reputable online platforms such as eBay and Amazon and purchase it from that end.
What is the difference between Clear Caption Free Phone and other Phone Services?
The Clear Caption free phone comes with an integrated screen that shows the text of the phone conversation one is having in real time. Other phone services on the other hand miss this feature and thus are not ideal for those suffering from hearing loss.
How accurate is the transcription of the phone calls of Clear Caption?
The transcription of the phone calls of Clear Caption is usually very accurate, thanks to the Captioned Telephone Service (CTS).
When using the Clear Captions free phone, will my conversations remain private?
Yes. Since FCC regulates the captioning services, be certain that the confidentiality of your conversation will be upheld at all times. Once you hang up your phone, all the captions won’t appear on the live operator station. Additionally, the captioning experts don’t record or save calls made by various users.
Is ClearCaptions Really Free?
Yes. However, you must be eligible for the device and also obtain it from those companies that are authorized by the FCC. Some of these companies include CaptionCall, Cap Tel, ClearCaptions, etc.
