Featuring:
Amplified Telephones
Analog vs. Digital Telephone Line Systems
HAC/Hearing Aid Compatible Phones
VCO/Voice Carry Over
Amplified Telephones
Standard telephones
generally refer to the phones that can be readily purchased
from your local telephone company, department/discount stores,
electronic or specialty telephone stores. These phones are
designed with minimal volume control that is sufficient for
those with good hearing, and usually have a decibel (dB) gain
of between 8 and 12 dB. Standard telephones were not designed
for use by individuals with hearing loss even though they
may have a volume control switch. This volume switch only
produces a minor gain in volume that does not meet the needs
of most individuals with any significant amount of hearing
loss.
An amplified telephone on the other hand, is specifically
designed for use by individuals with hearing loss. According
to the FCC, a phone is considered amplified if it produces
an amplification level of 18dB or higher. Most amplified phones
are in the 30 – 40dB range, but can go as high as 55dB.
In addition to an amplification or volume control, many amplified
telephones also have a Tone Control switch to adjust the tone
or frequency of the incoming voice that can be adjusted to
meet the needs of each individual’s particular hearing
loss.
Analog vs. Digital Telephone Line Systems
Before installing a new amplified telephone, TTY, or signaling
system, it is imperative that you determine whether or not
your phone line is Analog or Digital. Most assistive technologies
today are designed for use ONLY with Analog telephone lines.
Plugging these items into a digital phone line can result
in permanent damage to the equipment. Once you confirm that
your telephone line is Analog, it is safe to begin using
your new equipment.
Currently, most homes still use Analog phone lines, although
digital is becoming more common. If, within the last few
years you have changed the phone line system in your home
to an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line or
other Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) system, DO NOT install
your assistive equipment until you have determined that you
have an Analog phone jack that is safe to use. Many people
have an ISDN line installed in their home for Internet use,
so it is not uncommon to have both Analog and Digital phone
lines running into your home. However, assistive technology
should be used in the Analog jacks only. In most cases, a
converter is installed by the phone provider to make your
phone jacks safe for use with amplified telephones, but you
may want to call your service provider to be safe.
Most businesses today have already converted to DSL service,
which can provide challenges for individuals who wish to
use telephone-related assistive technology at work. However,
most DSL business systems do have the capability of forcing
individual jacks or workstations into Analog mode, making
it safe to use your assistive devices. If you aren’t
sure what your business is using, you can contact your telephone
provider to confirm whether the system is Analog or Digital.
Some examples of DSL systems are ISDN, PBX and T1 phone systems.
HAC/Hearing Aid Compatible Phones
Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) phones have a telecoil, or
electromagnetic conductor installed in the telephone receiver
that allows it to “couple” with the type of telecoil
found in many hearing aids through an electromagnetic field.
This direct “coupling” eliminates feedback and
background noise, and creates an overall clearer sound, which
allows for better telephone communication for those with
hearing loss. Without this feature, a severely hard of hearing
person will not be able to hear as well or at all on the
telephone. In 1988, the FCC established the Hearing Aid Compatibility
Act (HAC Act), which mandated that all telephones manufactured
or imported for use in the United States be made hearing
aid compatible and that all existing telephones located in
hospitals, nursing homes, hotels/motels and businesses be
converted to HAC standards.
It is important to note that an HAC phone will not necessarily
eliminate feedback or provide clearer communication for individuals
without a telecoil-equipped hearing aid. However, an Amplified
Telephone, which is specifically designed for use by individuals
with hearing loss can often reduce or eliminate feedback
issues when used properly. This can be done by reducing the
volume on the hearing aid and holding receiver slightly away
from the ear. Many individuals also benefit from having a
telephone ear pad attached to the receiver.
VCO/Voice Carry Over
Voice Carry Over (VCO) is technology used by severely hard
of hearing or d/Deaf individuals who can no longer hear on
an amplified telephone, but who prefer to use their voice
during telephone conversations rather than typing their words
on a TTY. All VCO calls must be placed through the Relay
System, since the relay operator is responsible for typing
the other party’s words back to the VCO user. These
words are then displayed on a screen so the VCO user can
read what the other party is saying. |
