Call Captioning-It’s More Than Words on a Screen

Call captioning is truly remarkable—it delivers a visible display of words a phone caller says—but it’s a technology we often take for granted…and sometimes overlook. While hearing loss has been effectively treated with the use of hearing aids, hearing specialists have determined that hearing the sounds is sometimes only part of the solution. Seeing and understanding can be tantamount to an individual’s proper physical and mental health.

Words matter

Communication is vital for our wellbeing. Communication takes on many forms—speaking, listening, gestures, facial expressions, reading, and so on. None of us communicates in only one manner; we naturally use all facets available to express our thoughts and to gather information presented to us. Seeing words, is a key component of both expression and education; we use words daily to share what’s on our mind and we consume words daily to keep abreast of what’s going on around us (and consider how texting has become a key method of today’s communication).

With words available to us, we can read, re-read and understand information presented to us. We can ponder the words, consider the meaning of what was said, and store those words away (like conversation transcripts) for future reference. Words, therefore, are and always have been a key component of our communication.

Having words when managing hearing loss

Just as we might sometimes remark, “I can’t talk right now so please send a message instead,” it’s conceivable that captioned phone calls (including answering machines that provide captioned phone messages) are fundamental in the overall scope of communication, especially to those adjusting to late-onset hearing loss. Like how we might need glasses as we age, so too might we need tools and services that assist us if our hearing begins to decline. Living and aging is a journey of adjustments and those who seek out assistance along the way will fare better than those who refuse to accept the change.

Call captioning is one part of a thoughtful hearing care solution

Remember when we were told that a certain food was “part of a balanced breakfast?” Hearing care can also be managed by a combination of tools, techniques and services. Hearing aids are key to helping those with hearing loss. Equally, captioned phone calls can be another “part of a balanced solution” that can make communication easier and comprehension more effective.

Those who struggle to hear during phone calls frequently experience frustration, fatigue and often they’ll retreat from the situation out of embarrassment or uncertainty. This path of weariness and withdrawal can result in self-imposed isolation that can lead to despondence and depression. While that sounds bleak (and it can be), a holistic approach to treating hearing loss through multiple methods can often be liberating and life-changing to those who experience hearing loss.

“Thank you for your service that changed my life dramatically. Now I make my own doctor appointments and call my pharmacy and friends. It’s a big blessing having this technology in my life.”
ClearCaptions customer, Eliabdiel

You can learn more about captioned phone call service and discover how easy it is to implement into an individual’s life. Whether you’re a hearing care professional, a caregiver, family member, or even if you have hearing loss yourself, discover how captioned calls can help ensure the ongoing freedom, independence and joy of using the phone. Learn more at clearcaptions.com.