Captioned Phone Calls
Read what callers say. Free for hearing loss.
What is captioned phone service?
- Phone shows real-time captions of caller's speech.
- Read what they say while listening.
- Federally subsidized — FREE for hearing-impaired.
- Doctor's note required to qualify.
- Several providers — pick one.
- Game-changer for moderate hearing loss.
CapTel
- Most popular service.
- Captioned phone — free with hearing loss.
- Big screen for reading captions.
- Doctor signs eligibility form.
- Tech support included.
- Apply at CapTel.com.
ClearCaptions
- Similar to CapTel — free phone.
- App version for smartphones.
- Same FCC eligibility rules.
- Online and over-the-phone signup.
- Free with verified hearing loss.
- Apply at ClearCaptions.com.
Hamilton CapTel
- Available on phone, mobile app, computer.
- Free service for those who qualify.
- Same FCC subsidy.
- Mobile app works on iPhone + Android.
- Use with regular phone or smartphone.
- HamiltonCapTel.com to apply.
How qualifying works
- Need verified hearing loss.
- Medical professional signs form.
- Audiologist, doctor, hearing specialist all qualify.
- Self-certification + doctor stipulation.
- FCC funds the service — taxpayer-funded.
- No income or age requirement.
Free smartphone captioning
- iPhone Live Listen — pairs with AirPods.
- iOS 16+: Live Captions for any audio.
- Android Live Caption — free, built-in.
- Google Live Transcribe — face-to-face conversations.
- Otter.ai — captions any conversation.
- Combine with hearing aids for best results.
Free service most don't know about
If you have hearing loss, captioned phone service is FREE thanks to FCC subsidies — yet most people don't know it exists. You get a free captioned phone (or use the app on your existing smartphone). Captions appear in real-time as the caller speaks. Apply through CapTel, ClearCaptions, or Hamilton CapTel. Your doctor signs a quick form. Within 2 weeks you have a phone that works for hearing loss.