Captioned Calling

Captioned Telephone Service (CTS) is a service that allows people with hearing loss to make and receive phone calls by displaying captions of what the other person is saying in real time. CTS uses a special telephone with a text screen that works like a standard phone, but with the addition of captions.

Recommended Captioning App

To make calls on your mobile phone and use your own phone number, I recommend the InnoCaption app.

Captioning Phones

These are the major services available that offer captioning landline phones at no cost to individuals with hearing loss.

Hamilton CapTel

  • Phones
  • Online service
  • App

CaptionCall

  • A telecoil loop connection for hearing aid users
  • The ability to save conversations and volume settings
  • Call amplification up to 58dB
  • Operation under the federal government’s Internet Protocol
  • Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) program
  • App

CapTel

  • Automatic connection to a captioning service
  • A large, easy-to-read display
  • A built-in answering machine that shows captions of messages
  • The ability to turn captions on or off at any time during a call
  • Adjustable tone and volume control
  • Dial-by-picture capability
  • Adjustable caption font sizes

ClearCaptions

  • A large color touchscreen that displays captions in real-time
  • Customized text sizing
  • A speakerphone for hands-free calling
  • A built-in answering machine