How to Make Calls to a TTY Machine

A person with hearing loss can purchase a TTY device that enables telephone use. You can keep in touch by learning how to use a TTY service. There is no additional cost, and you can make calls to a TTY device from any standard telephone.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Dial 711 on your telephone. Speak to the TTY operator. He will ask for the name of your long distance carrier, and the phone number you wish to dial. Provide the requested information.

2. Wait while the operator calls the hearing-impaired person's TTY device. The process takes a few moments, and you will hear clicks as you are connected. When you hear the call recipient say "Hello," the operator will give you the go-ahead to speak.

3. Identify yourself, speaking directly to the hard of hearing person to whom you placed the call. The operator listens in, and types your words verbatim into the TTY system. The call recipient reads a transcript of your words. You can talk with a normal cadence, but speak distinctly and enunciate well. Otherwise, "I bought a black car" can turn into "I brought a cat to the bar" and cause confusion on the other end.

4. As you finish your comments say, "Go ahead." This tells the operator you are temporarily finished speaking. The operator indicates such, and the other party can then respond. You will hear him speak a few seconds later. (There's a slight delay as the party reads the transcript of your words.)

5. Listen to the other person speak. He or she will say "Go ahead" when it's your turn to resume the conversation. Continue taking turns in this fashion until the conversation is over. To indicate you're finished with the call, simply tell the person "Goodbye" and as a courtesy, thank the operator for his time.

Tips & Warnings

• The operator is there to relay your words, not judge them. Speak freely; calls are confidential and TTY operators receive training to conduct themselves as professionals. Remember, the conversation is between you and the person you called. Unless there's a need to clarify your words, the operator is unlikely to speak once the conversation has begun.
• When calling a person with a TTY machine, the process can seem awkward at first. Don't let that stop you from staying connected to someone you care about. It's an adjustment, but one well worth the effort.