Description of Telecommunications Equipment in Each Category
AMPLIFIED PHONE CATEGORY:
Benefits people with different degrees of mild-moderate hearing loss. (Note: You may add a Headset or Neckloop to the Basic or Enhanced Amplified Phones if needed.)
Basic Amplified Phone:
A corded/cordless phone with volume control (amplification) capabilities to adjust the loudness of the other person’s voice. Works well for individuals who have a mild hearing loss. Volume control may adjust up to 35 dB. Receives incoming speech with more clarity. May include memory dial, redial, flash button and includes built-in loud and flashing ringer.
Enhanced Amplified Phone (corded and cordless):
Same as the Basic Amplified Phone but has more powerful amplification and tone control. Some phones include volume control which adjusts up to 65+ dB, tone control, noise reduction which removes unwanted background noise, memory dial, redial and flash buttons. Cordless phones, which are included in this category, may be amplified up to 55+ dB and are convenient and mobile for use by individuals with hearing loss who enjoy amplification for clear conversations. Some corded and cordless enhanced amplified phones have a speaker, built-in loud/flashing ringer, an answering machine, and/or a Caller ID display (Caller ID service is available through your telephone company). Some phones may be used by individuals with a low volume voice or weak speech. Includes a loudness control switch on handset (26 dB gain). May be hearing aid compatible, have last number redial button, and tone/ pulse dialing.
In-Line Device Amplifier:
Adapts your existing standard phone into an amplified phone so individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss can hear better over the telephone. Provides some amplification through volume control and tone control.
Bluetooth Amplifier:
Adapts your existing cell phone or smartphone into an amplified phone so individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss can hear better over the telephone. Provides some amplification through volume control and tone control. Connects via Bluetooth.
CAPTIONED PHONE CATEGORY:
Benefits people with hearing loss and who are able to speak clearly over the phone. (Note: You may add a Headset or Neckloop if needed. See Amplified Phone Category for description.)
Captioned Telephone:
The captions are displayed on built-in screens, so the user can read the words through the Captioned Relay Service while listening to the voice of the other party. These phones amplify up to 40 dB, depending on the model. The Captioned Telephone may require a phone line or an Internet connection. For more information on the CapTel™ Captioned Telephone and Relay Service, call Relay Iowa Customer Service at 888-516-4692 (V/TTY) or go to the website, www.relayiowa.com.
TEXT TELEPHONE (TTY) CATEGORY:
Best suited for individuals who are Deaf or have great difficulty hearing and speaking on a standard telephone. It transmits and receives typed messages to the TTY or to the Relay Service. For more information on the Relay Service, contact Relay Iowa Customer Service at 888-516-4692 (V/TTY) or go to the website: www.relayiowa.com.
Non-Printing TTY:
Has no printer. Portable or compact.
Printing TTY:
Has a built-in printer using 2.5 inch paper rolls.
ELECTROLARYNX TELEPHONE CATEGORY:
Assists individuals who have voice disorders, vocal cord paralysis or other types of laryngectomy restrictions.
Electrolarynx Telephone Kit:
A telephone system combining a standard volume control telephone and an adapted electrolarynx device to assist with speech restrictions.
SPEECH THERAPY DEVICE CATEGORY:
Helps individuals with Stuttering, Tachyphemia (cluttering), and Parkinson’s disease. *Requires a Special Request. Please contact TAI for details.
Speech Therapy Device*:
The Basic Fluency System plugs into telephones or cell phones with a standard headset jack. This device allows the caller to hear their own voice and assists in correcting stuttering effects. The person on the call hears only a normal voice. When adjusted to correct stutterers’ auditory processing underactivity, the device immediately reduces stuttering by approximately 70%, without speech therapy, mental effort, or abnormal- sounding speech. The device can also be adjusted to slow down and relax speech motor activity. Some phones may require a jack adaptor.
HEADSET OR NECKLOOP CATEGORY:
Headset or Neckloop:
You may add a Headset or Neckloop to your basic or enhanced amplified phone. Either Headset or Neckloop may be T-coil compatible. Neckloops may work with amplified phones, but amplified headsets may cause feedback if both the phone and headset volume are turned up.
PHONE RINGER/SIGNALER CATEGORY:
Alerts people with hearing loss to the ringing of the telephone.
Loud/Flashing Ringer:
Alerts Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to the ringing of the telephone either visually (a built-in flashing light or can be connected to a lamp), by a loud ringing tone or both at the same time. A ringer can be connected directly to a phone or jack in a separate room if desired. A ringer can be requested along with a selection of telephone equipment. Can work with a cell phone.
Tactile Ringer:
Alerts individuals to the ringing of the telephone by a vibrating signal. Some tactile ringers come in kits which may include a receiver, transmitter, battery charger and a dual phone plug. Can work with a wireless devices.
AMPLIFIED ANSWERING MACHINE CATEGORY:
Used by individuals who do not have an answering machine built into their amplified telephone.
Amplified Answering Machine:
Selectable slow playback speeds to understand all words along with powerful amplification to increase sound and tone control. If the phone does not have a second jack, a line splitter may be necessary.
Application for Wireless Devices Information
You have agreed to:
- Select one wireless telecommunications device.
- I agree to use the TAI Voucher to get my wireless device through a Wireless Dealer and pay the difference in price (approximately 1%) to purchase the equipment.
- I agree to set up my wireless device including turning it on, setting up an account with an email address, and reviewing the Terms and Conditions.
- I agree to use the Apps on the device to make calls on the equipment. I agree to notify TAI within thirty (30) days of any changes in my Iowa address, phone number or email.
- I agree to keep my wireless device in its protective case and understand that removal of the device from the protective case may void the warranty.
- I agree to answer all Survey Questions sent to me, whether by mail or email, from TAI about my experience in using the wireless device and to provide feedback so that they may gather information.
Wireless Equipment Vendors
Teltex Inc. & RAZ Mobility are distributors of wireless equipment for individuals who are Deaf or have difficulty with hearing and/or speech, and specializes in customized services and equipment management.
They distribute many different brands of equipment and are authorized re-sellers of wireless equipment, providing several services including wireless devices pre-loaded with specialized Apps. For the Iowa program, Teltex Inc. and RAZ Mobility are the only authorized sources for wireless devices purchased with a TAI voucher. Along with the wireless device, they provide specialized mobile device services which include:
- Pre-loading Apps – devices come to applicant already loaded with Apps that match the
- communication need.
- Security – all devices are laser-etched with state program logo. If stolen, the device can be
- locked down.
- Warranty – enroll devices into a comprehensive bumper to bumper warranty program, which covers devices for a minimum of three (3) years depending on the equipment Dealer, for such things as accidental damage, along with each Dealer’s specific warranty offer.
- Enrolling – all devices will be enrolled in a specialized application installed at their respective Dealers which allows for services to be done remotely, such as sending software and App updates, pushing new Apps directly to device, and removing obsolete Apps from device.
- Packaging – each device is sent to the applicant with an outer protective case installed and all of the necessary cords, chargers, etc.
- Support – operational and technical service directly to applicant, including repair, re-installation of Apps and operating system updates.
DO NOT TAKE YOUR DEVICE TO A REPAIR SHOP for assistance, as Apple, Google, and Samsung have authorized Teltex Inc. and RAZ Mobility to handle all customer support related to your device.
The wireless device is shipped directly to you and assistance is available through RAZ Mobility and Teltex:
Email: customersupport@razmobility.com |
Email: ios@teltex.com |