New Technology Helps Hearing-Impaired Enjoy Normal Use of Telephone in Central

by Jolice Provost

CENTRAL — Did you know technology now allows the hearing-impaired, even those who are literally “speechless,” to speak to anyone on the telephone?

And, even better, did you know they can speak in a firm, clear voice that is so authentic-sounding that you might not realize they are speaking with the aid of a computer?

Last week, Henry Brinkmann, who is hearing impaired, came to the Central City News office to demonstrate the technology, and it was impressive.  Brinkmann is a Louisiana Outreach Coordinator for Hamilton Relay, one of the nation’s leading providers of relay products for persons with communication disabilities.

As a deaf man, Brinkmann is grateful to modern technology, which has allowed relay devices to evolve into simpler and more functional products.

The CapTel800i, Hamilton Relay’s newest device, is a captioned telephone that works through either a wireless or dial up internet connection.

After connecting it, Brinkmann called my cell phone. I spoke into it and watched in amazement as the words I spoke appeared on the computer screen like closed captioned TV.

When Henry spoke into the phone, his voice was difficult to understand, but the computer instantly translated his voice into clear, easy-to-understand sentences that seemed quite natural.  Henry and I were communicating without an interpreter.

The phone also has a screen of its own and can relay conversations there as well.

Now individuals with communication disabilities will no longer be forced to repeat themselves over and over again.  Brinkmann jokingly commented, “With the popularity of texting, everyone else had caught up with the deaf!”

Hearing disabilities are a common problem among seniors, but studies suggest there are more and more young people developing hearing problems as well. Their hearing loss can be attributed to listening to loud music through earplug devices and attending concerts with booming speakers.

Brinkmann added, “There are a growing number of our troops who return from war with hearing loss because of IED’s and other weapons. There are also workers who are exposed to loud noises through their jobs that later have hearing loss.”

I mentioned to him that my husband, Emile, has some hearing loss either from his years of working as a disc jockey or from his time working in a refinery. I told him that I think it’s selective hearing.

Brinkmann laughed and said, “Selective hearing, ah, yes, my wife says even the deaf have selective hearing!” His wife is also hearing impaired.

To learn more about the CapTel800i contact Brinkmann at his office at (225) 754-4587, by text at (225) 937-8553, TTY direct at (225) 295-3193 or email him at henry.brinkmann@hamiltonrelay.com.

The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf provides accessibility services for persons who are deaf, deaf-blind or have hearing loss or speech impairment. This service allows them to gain equal access to any public or private service. The local office can be reached by calling (225) 756-5339 V/TTY.