Telephone devices for the deaf (TDD) question

I have discovered that the Otter app works well for me. When I have an important business call and I need to hear exactly what they are saying I turn on the Otter app either on my Ipad or my Iphone and everything that is said including what I say is typed right out there on the screen. It's working for me at least. I have the free version so it's limited on monthly minutes but it is enough for me. I have a Rogers microphone but it's just not working well for my needs. I still have problems in large rooms with many people talking. It may always be a problem for me. I have used the Otter in these type meetings when there is a speaker. I think it's amazing.

Thank you. I need something that lets me communicate over the phone but I will check this out.

Does the state you live in have a commission or council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing? If so, they likely have one for speech disorders. You want to be able to type into the system and hear what they say, right? We're talking about a 'communication disorder' other than hearing loss or deafness.

TDDs are rarely used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing because texting has pretty much taken over that kind of communication, but they are still there.

Have you checked out the agencies within your state government? Have you looked into the Independent Living Centers in your region?

I now live in Mexico. Most of my dealings are in the US. I can't speak. This is a new development for me because of cancer so I am clueless. This seems to be the closest group I can find to ask this question. How do deaf people communicate with a bank calling the bank's TDD number? What equipment do they use?

Check out a phone app called “Cardzilla”. You can type in messages and show the screen to a listener.

Cardzilla looks great. Thank you.
Any suggestions for communicating over the phone?

I'm not positive but I don't think you can call a TDD number unless you are using a TDD yourself. Captioned phones work but are typically used to receive printed information rather than send it. But deaf people do communicate with other deaf people on text telephones, so they should work for you.

You may find something on diglo.com They have a catalog of assistive technology. I understand you can hear but not speak.

Did you have cancer surgery that left you without speech? If so have you asked the medical professionals what they recommend?

Thank you for suggesting diglo.com. That is very helpful. I had lymphoma in my mouth. By the time it was diagnosed the muscles in my jaw had tightened so surgery was not possible. I've been through radiation and chemo which my oncologists thought would allow my mouth to open but that hasn't been the case. I've been referred to a myofascial therapist but so far we aren't seeing progress which is why I'm trying to find a way to use the telephone. Thanks again for your suggestions.

You are welcome. I hope you're able to find something on diglo.com If you live in the United States, quite possibly there is a government office that can provide more information and technology. I think I mentioned independent living centers in an earlier post. Do check them out.

I hope things improve for you with therapy. I admire your willingness and desire to find technology that will help you.

My iPhone is able to BE a TTY TDD...here is one video link demo for it. And YouTube also shares lots of demos like this, for other phone types etc......WIN WIN WIN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4m9-sk7K-s