Telephone Options for Cochlear Implant Users
By Tearney, Linn; Hearing Loss Magazine, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 26-30Publication Date: March/April 2006
Article provides information that the author hopes could help people with cochlear implants to choose the best telephone to meet their needs. The author focuses on seven specific topics: (1) choosing a telephone, (2) evaluating one’s speech discrimination skills, (3) using phone features to one’s advantage, (4) accessories for people who use landlines, (5) cochlear implant-compatible cell phones, (6) selecting a cellular handset, and (7) using accessories for cellular compatibility. The CapTel system is mentioned as an alternative to a conventional telephone, as this system allows the user to use his or her own voice while watching real-time captions on a screen. Text telephones such as the Treo and Sidekick are easy to operate, as users can simply communicate via text messages to other cellular phone users. Some landline phones are also available with features such as amplification, tone control, loud ring tones, vibrating alerts, and flashing lights. The Clear Sounds Freedom Phone has all of these features, including a large LCD screen for caller identification as well as large buttons. A cordless option of this phone is also available.
Assistive Products Discussed: CAPTEL TELEPHONE
Published by: Hearing Loss Association of America (formerly Self Help for Hard of Hearing People) (Website:http://www.hearingloss.org)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J50335
