A TTY is a special device that lets people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired use the telephone to communicate, by allowing them to type messages back and forth to one another instead of talking and listening. A TTY is required at both ends of the conversation in order to communicate.
How do you use a TDD phone?
- Turn on the TTY/TDD.
- Dial the phone number on your standard telephone, listen for the phone to ring or give a busy signal.
- When you hear the TTY/TDD-sound, place the receiver on the TTY/TDD as stated above.
How does a telephone for the deaf work?
Message relay services enable people with a hearing or speech disability to make and receive telephone calls via text with the assistance of a relay operator. In an MRS call, the relay operator communicates with the person who has a hearing or speech disability via text and with the other party via voice.
