Phones for Seniors Who Have Trouble Hearing on Calls
A phone that lets you read along with your calls
CaptionCall is a no-cost home phone and mobile app for seniors who have trouble hearing on the phone. The words that the other person says appear as text on your screen — so you won’t have to say "what?" during a call again.
Delivered to your home · Set up by a CaptionCall expert · No cost to you
Why phone calls get harder with age
For many seniors, phone calls that used to be effortless now feel exhausting. You ask people to repeat themselves. You miss words. You hang up unsure whether you caught everything right.
Over time, certain sound frequencies become harder to distinguish. Even people with mild hearing loss can struggle on the phone long before they'd consider hearing aids.
The result? Many seniors start avoiding calls they used to enjoy. Doctor's appointments go unconfirmed. Family conversations get cut short. Important information gets missed.
CaptionCall was designed for this moment.
How CaptionCall works for seniors
CaptionCall captions your phone calls in real time — similar to how captions work on television, but for live phone conversations.
When someone calls you (or you call them), their words appear as text on your CaptionCall phone screen as they speak. You can listen and read along at the same time.
For seniors who still want a home phone: The CaptionCall home phone connects to your existing phone line or through your internet connection. A certified trainer delivers it to your home, sets it up, and walks you through how it works, all at no cost if you qualify.
For seniors who prefer a mobile option: The CaptionCall Mobile app works on your existing smartphone (iPhone or Android). Download it, register, and start making captioned calls. No new device required.
Is CaptionCall really no cost?
CaptionCall is no cost to eligible users. Ever. Here’s how.
CaptionCall is funded through the FCC’s Telecommunications Relay Services program.
Thanks to this federally administered fund, qualified users get CaptionCall phone service — including the phone itself, delivery, in-home setup, and ongoing support — at no cost.
No catch, no subscription, and no hidden fees.
Who qualifies? Anyone with hearing loss that makes captions necessary to communicate effectively on the phone.
What you get with CaptionCall
CaptionCall home phone
- A CaptionCall phone delivered directly to your home
- In-home setup by a CaptionCall expert
- Step-by-step guidance on how to use it, so you feel confident before they leave
- Ongoing customer support, based in the US
- Works with your existing phone line — or without one if you have an internet connection
CaptionCall mobile app
- The CaptionCall Mobile app on your iPhone or Android
- Real-time captions on every call
- No new device needed
Both options include
- Captions in English and Spanish
- Large, easy-to-read text
- No monthly fees for captioning service
- Compatibility with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids and other devices
Designed with seniors in mind
Many captioning tools were built for younger users who are comfortable with technology. CaptionCall is ideal for seniors who want their phone to work the way a phone is supposed to work — without a learning curve.
The CaptionCall home phone looks and feels like a standard corded telephone. The buttons are large and easy to read. The captions appear in real-time in large, clear text that can be adjusted to your liking. Your existing phone number works. Family members can call you the same way they always have.
If you've been hesitant about captioned phones because you assumed they'd be complicated, CaptionCall is worth a closer look. Our friendly and knowledgeable experts take care of the in-home setup and ensure you're not left figuring it out alone.
Helping a parent or loved one get CaptionCall
Looking for a solution to help an aging parent or relative regain their independence? Here's what to know:
You can start the referral process on behalf of your loved one by submitting their basic information. After that, the CaptionCall team will coordinate the next steps—including scheduling, delivery, and setup—directly with them (and you’re welcome to be present if they’d prefer).
The CaptionCall expert who delivers your phone can answer questions, adjust settings, and ensure your loved one is comfortable before leaving. Many family members find that CaptionCall reduces the worry of wondering whether their parent heard an important message correctly.
How to get started
Getting started takes a quick moment.
1
Click "Get My CaptionCall Phone" and complete the short request form.
2
Schedule your delivery. A CaptionCall expert will bring your phone and set it up.
3
Once setup is complete, captioning is available whenever you need it.
If you'd prefer to start with the mobile app, download CaptionCall Mobile from the App Store or Google Play.
Common questions about CaptionCall for seniors
Does CaptionCall require a landline?
No. The home phone can work through your internet connection without a traditional landline using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which will then assign you a new phone number for the CaptionCall phone.
CaptionCall Mobile works on any smartphone using your cellular data network or WiFi connection.
Will my existing phone number work?
You can use CaptionCall home phone with your current landline phone number. Family and friends call you the same way they always have.
With CaptionCall Mobile, you can still receive calls to your current cell phone number by setting up Call Forwarding. We also recommend setting up My CallerID so that your name will show up on outgoing calls from the app.
Do I need a hearing aid to use CaptionCall?
No. CaptionCall works independently of hearing aids. Many users wear hearing aids and use CaptionCall simultaneously — they complement each other.
What if I live in a rural area?
CaptionCall is available throughout the United States. In most areas, a CaptionCall expert will come to your home. In remote areas, CaptionCall provides guided setup by phone.
Is my call private?
The CaptionCall home phone uses both human captioning agents and advanced voice recognition technology to deliver highly accurate real-time captions. A live captioning agent may be listening to and transcribing your calls to facilitate this communication. You may choose to save transcripts of your calls to your local device.
