Assistive Listening Technology
CapTel is a captioned telephone, not a hearing aid. It looks much like a regular phone but adds a built-in screen that displays written captions of everything the caller says, so you can both listen and read along during a conversation.
For people with hearing loss who find phone calls stressful or hard to follow, that combination can make a real difference. You still use your voice normally and hear what you can, and the captions fill in the words you might otherwise miss.
California Hearing Center can help you understand how captioned phones fit alongside hearing aids and other communication strategies as part of your overall hearing care, and we can point you toward the process for obtaining one.
At a glance
- CapTel is a captioned telephone that shows written captions of what the caller says, alongside adjustable amplification.
- It is assistive technology for phone calls, not a hearing aid, and works best as a complement to hearing aids.
- Captioned phones are often available at no cost to qualifying individuals through a certification process.
How a captioned phone works
As the other person speaks, a captioning service transcribes their words into text that appears on the phone's display in near real time. You listen to whatever you can and read the rest, which reduces the guesswork that makes phone calls tiring when you have hearing loss. The text size on the screen can typically be adjusted for comfortable reading.
Built-in amplification and easy reading
Beyond captions, CapTel phones generally include adjustable amplification to make the caller's voice louder and clearer, along with a large, well-lit display. The aim is a phone that supports both your ears and your eyes, so you are not depending on hearing alone to follow the call.
Who it can help
Captioned phones are often useful for people with moderate to more significant hearing loss who still want to stay connected by phone, including many older adults who rely on calls with family, doctors, pharmacies, and services. It is a practical way to keep important conversations independent and low-stress.
Often available at no cost to qualifying users
Captioned telephones like CapTel are frequently provided at no cost to individuals who have hearing loss and qualify, typically through a certification process that documents the need. The exact requirements and paperwork can vary and change over time, so it is worth asking about the current process before you begin.
A complement to hearing aids, not a replacement
A captioned phone addresses one specific situation, phone calls, while hearing aids support hearing across all of daily life, from conversations to television to restaurants. Many people benefit from using both together, and we can help you see where each one fits.
Where to start
If phone conversations are a frequent frustration, a hearing evaluation is a sensible first step. It clarifies exactly where your hearing needs support and helps us recommend the right mix of technology and communication strategies, which may include a captioned phone like CapTel or CaptionCall.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
Is CapTel a hearing aid?
No. CapTel is a captioned telephone, an assistive device that displays written captions of the caller's speech. It helps specifically with phone calls and does not replace hearing aids, which support hearing throughout daily life.
Do captioned phones cost money?
Captioned telephones are frequently provided at no cost to people with hearing loss who qualify, usually through a certification process that confirms eligibility. Because programs and requirements change, it is best to ask about the current process.
Should I get a captioned phone or hearing aids?
They solve different problems and many people use both. Hearing aids support everyday listening, while a captioned phone targets phone calls. A hearing evaluation helps us recommend the right combination for you.