Telecommunications Access Iowa is a program of the Iowa Utilities Commission. We exist to provide specialized telecommunications devices to Iowans who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have speech difficulties. In short, we exist to make connections easier and more accessible.  

We assist hundreds of Iowans every year in gaining access to these devices to support their communication. One of these Iowans is Russ. Russ utilizes hearing aids but often struggled with clearly understanding phone calls. With the help of TAI, his new device is solving this problem. Read below for his full impact story! 

Russ lives in north central Iowa and is retired. He first learned about the TAI program through his hearing aid technician. Hearing aid technicians support hearing restoration journeys with fittings, testing, and programming hearing aids for unique individual needs. TAI partners with hearing centers and audiologists across the state to support hearing aid users even further with TAI specialized devices. Russ shared, “I didn’t have any problems with the application process. It worked just fine for me.” 

Russ’s technician shared the TAI program with him for the unique devices it offers that work hand-in-hand with hearing aids. Before finding TAI, Russ shares, “sounds were muted and muddy sounding. It was difficult to understand conversations, especially on phone calls. I had difficulty picking up the entire conversation and not understand things which at times could be frustrating.” These challenges left Russ looking for solutions for telephone communication clarity.  

Russ shared the TAI team helped him get access to a simple application to make getting started easy. He spoke further on the device he selected and received stating, “I received the Samsung Galaxy and what a difference it made. I can connect directly to my aids using the Hearing Assist feature on the phone. The conversation goes to my aids as clear as a bell. I can adjust the volume as needed and the conversation is private as only I can hear it through my hearing aids…” 

“… It’s fantastic. I’m not missing out on things now. It’s great.” 

 Hearing aid pairing technology like what Russ utilizes is available with our TAI wireless device program. These smart phones and tablets offer a unique feature that allows pairing directly to hearing aids for audio input, bypassing device speakers that can often be heard to understand with hearing difficulties. “The biggest advantage is hearing phone calls clearly. It doesn’t matter who I talk to on the phone, I can hear them clearly, as long as I remember to turn on the Hearing Assist,” Russ shared.   

When asked if Russ would recommend TAI to others in need of communication clarity Russ responded, “I would recommend TAI to others as it helped me a lot and it didn’t even hurt. It just took a bit of time to fill out the paperwork.” Our team is here to make applying easy and accessible, no matter your unique needs. TAI’s website offers user-friendly tools to see if you qualify right away. In the same way Russ’s communication has changed for the better, yours can too. Russ advocates for others in need saying,  

“…take the time to fill out the paperwork. What have you got to lose? Overall, you have a lot to gain.” 

 With re-application options available every 3 years, this TAI program allows your devices to progress and change alongside your unique needs. Our team and vendors are only one phone call or email away for every question along the way. Russ reflected on his process  sharing, “Overall, my experience has been very positive so far. I don’t see why things would change. People were very prompt in responding. The biggest issue was getting the phone in the time they said it would be here and a phone call took care of that issue…” 

“Overall, two thumbs up. A very good program.” 

Russ, a retired Iowan, was struggling to hear clearly on phone calls—even with his hearing aids. Conversations sounded muffled, making it frustrating to catch every word. That all changed when his hearing aid technician told him about Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI). After a quick and easy application process, Russ received a Samsung Galaxy device with a special Hearing Assist feature. Now, his phone calls go straight to his hearing aids, loud and crystal clear—no more missed words or frustrating moments! 

Russ couldn’t be happier with his new device and is spreading the word to others who might need a little help hearing. He says applying was a breeze, and the benefits have been life-changing. His advice? “Take the time to fill out the paperwork—what have you got to lose?” Plus, with TAI’s device renewal every three years, he knows he’ll always have access to the best technology to keep him connected. Two thumbs up for TAI! 

Click here to start your application today!