24 October 2006
Technology has finally provided a way for those who are losing their hearing to enjoy telephone calls to family and friends with the new Screenphone, produced by Geemarc in association with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID).
The 125mm x 80mm screen displays the words spoken during the conversation, typed by a Typetalk operator. The font can be adjusted to make the text easier to read and an answering machine mode is also available, where the message is typed onto the screen.
Typetalk is a relay service available from the RNID and BT where those who are hard of hearing or have a speech impediment can communicate on the telephone via text with hearing people. Although the phone is more expensive than a standard telephone, the Typetalk service is available free.
Other features of the phone include a flashing light to alert owners of an incoming call, a handset capable of a volume level of 30 decibels and a phonebook capable of storing 50 numbers.
Dr Mark Downs of the RNID stated: "This is an exciting breakthrough for people who are losing their hearing and can no longer use the telephone."
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