TTY HCO: A Communication Mode for Individuals with Speech Disabilities

TTY HCO (Hearing Carry-Over) is a mode available on TTY devices and cell phones that allows users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to receive voice messages and respond with text messages (Android Authority, 2024; Prepscholar, n.d.; Wisconsin Relay, n.d.).

Key Facts

  1. TTY HCO is a mode available on TTY devices and cell phones that allows users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to receive voice messages and respond with text messages.
  2. TTY HCO is specifically designed for individuals who can hear but have difficulty speaking or producing clear speech.
  3. In TTY HCO mode, the user can receive voice messages through a TTY device or cell phone, and their responses are typed and sent as text messages.
  4. TTY HCO mode enables a conversation between a hearing person and a person with a speech impairment, with the hearing person speaking and the person with a speech impairment typing their responses.
  5. TTY HCO mode is one of the three TTY modes available on many cell phones, along with TTY Full and TTY VCO.
  6. TTY Full mode allows both the sender and receiver to communicate through TTY messages, while TTY VCO mode is for users who can send messages through voice but need to receive messages on a TTY text display.
  7. To use TTY HCO mode on a cell phone, the user needs to activate it in the phone’s settings. The exact steps may vary depending on the phone’s operating system, but generally, it can be found under the accessibility or call settings.

Purpose and Function

TTY HCO is specifically designed for individuals who can hear but have difficulty speaking or producing clear speech (Prepscholar, n.d.). In this mode, the user can receive voice messages through a TTY device or cell phone, and their responses are typed and sent as text messages (Wisconsin Relay, n.d.).

Conversation Process

TTY HCO mode enables a conversation between a hearing person and a person with a speech impairment, with the hearing person speaking and the person with a speech impairment typing their responses (Prepscholar, n.d.). The relay operator reads aloud the typed messages from the person with a speech impairment to the hearing person, and the hearing person responds verbally (Wisconsin Relay, n.d.).

Availability and Activation

TTY HCO mode is one of the three TTY modes available on many cell phones, along with TTY Full and TTY VCO (Android Authority, 2024; Prepscholar, n.d.). To use TTY HCO mode on a cell phone, the user needs to activate it in the phone’s settings (Prepscholar, n.d.). The exact steps may vary depending on the phone’s operating system, but generally, it can be found under the accessibility or call settings.

Conclusion

TTY HCO is a valuable communication tool for individuals with speech disabilities. It allows them to participate in conversations with hearing individuals, providing a means of expression and interaction.

References

FAQs

What is TTY HCO?

TTY HCO (Hearing Carry-Over) is a mode available on TTY devices and cell phones that allows users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to receive voice messages and respond with text messages.

Who is TTY HCO designed for?

TTY HCO is specifically designed for individuals who can hear but have difficulty speaking or producing clear speech.

How does TTY HCO work?

In TTY HCO mode, the user receives voice messages through a TTY device or cell phone, and their responses are typed and sent as text messages. A relay operator reads aloud the typed messages from the person with a speech impairment to the hearing person, and the hearing person responds verbally.

What are the benefits of using TTY HCO?

TTY HCO allows individuals with speech disabilities to communicate with hearing individuals in real-time, providing a means of expression and interaction.

How do I activate TTY HCO mode on my cell phone?

The steps to activate TTY HCO mode on a cell phone may vary depending on the phone’s operating system. Generally, it can be found under the accessibility or call settings.

What is the difference between TTY HCO and TTY Full?

TTY HCO allows the user to receive voice messages and respond with text messages, while TTY Full allows both the sender and receiver to communicate through TTY messages.

What is the difference between TTY HCO and TTY VCO?

TTY HCO allows the user to receive voice messages and respond with text messages, while TTY VCO is for users who can send messages through voice but need to receive messages on a TTY text display.

Is TTY HCO available in all countries?

The availability of TTY HCO may vary by country. It is recommended to check with local telecommunications providers for availability in specific regions.