Captioned Phone Service for People Who Are Hard of Hearing
Read every word of your phone calls
If you're hard of hearing, phone calls can feel like a constant guessing game. CaptionCall adds captions to your calls in real time — so you can hear and read at the same time and never miss what matters.
No cost · Delivered to your home · Set up by a CaptionCall expert
Phone calls for the hard of hearing
Being hard of hearing isn’t just turning down the volume — instead, certain frequencies, certain voices, and certain listening environments are harder to process than others.
Phone calls can be especially challenging. Lip reading isn't possible. Facial expressions don't come through. If someone speaks quickly, mumbles, or has an accent, things get even harder.
Even with hearing aids, phone calls can feel like they demand constant mental effort — straining to catch words that should come effortlessly.
Many people who are hard of hearing start avoiding the phone, relying on text instead, or passing on phone-based tasks like scheduling appointments or calling family. That withdrawal is understandable — but it's also a loss.
CaptionCall’s captioned phones are built to help with exactly this situation.
What is a captioned phone?
A captioned telephone works like a regular phone, with one important addition: every word the other person says appears as text on your screen as they speak.
You can listen and read simultaneously — using the captions to catch things your ears may have missed. Or, if the audio is unclear, you can rely on the captions more heavily. Either way, you won’t miss a word.
Hearing aids and phone calls
Hearing aids help in many listening situations — particularly in-person conversations. On the phone, however, results vary.
Some hearing aid models connect to Bluetooth-enabled phones to provide clearer audio. But Bluetooth streaming doesn't caption what was said — it only amplifies it.
Many hard-of-hearing users wear their hearing aids while using CaptionCall — the aids help with audio clarity, while the captions fill in things that may be missed.
For calls where the audio quality is poor (speakerphones, bad cell connections, unfamiliar voices), captions provide a level of reliability that audio alone cannot.
CaptionCall for home phones
The CaptionCall home phone is designed specifically for people who are hard of hearing and prefer a dedicated home phone.
Included with the no-cost CaptionCall phone for qualified users:
- A physical CaptionCall phone with a large, easy-to-read caption screen
- Delivery directly to your home
- In-home setup by a CaptionCall expert who configures everything and walks you through how to use the phone
- Compatibility with your existing phone line — or without a landline through your internet connection (VoIP)
- No new phone number required — your existing number works
Best for: People who prefer a traditional home phone, who may not be comfortable with smartphones, or who want a dedicated device for captioned calling.
CaptionCall Mobile App
For people who are hard of hearing and are more comfortable with a smartphone, the CaptionCall Mobile app brings captioned calling to your iPhone or Android device.
Included with CaptionCall Mobile:
- Real-time captions on outgoing and incoming calls
- Works on your existing phone with your existing number
- Compatible with hearing aids and Bluetooth devices
- Available for iOS and Android
Best for: People comfortable with smartphones who want captioned calling on the go.
How much does CaptionCall cost for people who are hard of hearing?
For qualified individuals, CaptionCall’s service — including the phone, delivery, setup, and ongoing support — is provided at no cost. There is no monthly subscription and no hidden fees.
CaptionCall is funded through the FCC's TRS program.
Who qualifies? Anyone with hearing loss that makes captions necessary to communicate effectively on the phone.
How it works
Getting Started
1
Complete the short request form — it only takes a quick moment.
2
Schedule your delivery (home phone) or download the app (mobile).
3
A CaptionCall expert sets up your home phone and walks you through it, or you register in the app. Once setup is complete, captioning is available whenever you need it.
Questions about CaptionCall for people who are hard of hearing
Can I use CaptionCall if I wear hearing aids?
Yes. Many CaptionCall users wear their hearing aids while using CaptionCall. The two work together — your aids help with audio; the captions fill in things that may be missed.
Does the home phone require a landline?
No. The CaptionCall home phone can work through your internet connection if you no longer have a traditional landline.
How accurate are the captions?
CaptionCall delivers captions with dependable accuracy fast enough for you to comfortably stay in the conversation.
What if I'm in a remote area?
CaptionCall is available nationwide. In most areas, a CaptionCall expert delivers and sets up the home phone in person. In remote areas, guided setup is available by phone.
Can I try CaptionCall before committing?
There is no commitment required to sign up. You can start using the service and discontinue at any time.
What's the difference between CaptionCall and a regular captioned phone?
CaptionCall is a complete service — not just a device. It includes the phone or app, real-time captioning, in-home setup, and ongoing support. It's built for personal phone calls, not broadcast or media captioning.
