Textphones
Textphones enable severely hearing impaired people to communicate using a telephone with a small keyboard and screen. The user types his/her message which then appears on the screen at the other end of the line. They are mainly used by sign language users.
Textphone numbers should be listed separately in the Phone Book.
Textphones work best when they have a dedicated telephone line (not shared with a voice line) and when staff have been trained to use them. Training in the use of textphones is available from the RNID, Deaf Connections and the British Deaf Association (see useful contacts).
Typetalk
The RNID Typetalk service enables telephone conversations between deaf people using textphones and hearing people using standard phones. Calls are made via a relay operator who transcribes between voice and text. Calls are charged at the ordinary rate. For more information contact Typetalk (see useful contacts).
Loop and Infrared Systems
An induction loop consists of a loop of wire, a control box, and one or more microphones. The microphone picks up sound and the box converts this into magnetic waves which are sent out by the loop. These waves are picked up by a hearing aid on the 'T' setting, without interference from background noise. A sign should be displayed wherever a loop system is available. It should be noted that hearing aids can pick up sound from induction loops from a considerable distance therefore two loops cannot be used simultaneously in close proximity, and it may be difficult to maintain confidentiality.
An alternative to the loop systems is an infrared system, which works on the same principle as a loop system but does not require the wire. Not all buildings are suitable for the infrared system, but they are less likely to create problems of confidentiality.
Signage is important to indicate the availability of loop and infrared systems.
Employees should be aware of how loops and infrared systems at their workplace operate.
