But more research needs to be done before the cochlear implant will help people to understand speech clearly. Some people cannot hear and understand spoken words even with special listening devices. They use other devices to talk on the telephone or to watch television. Special devices make it possible for hearing impaired persons to enjoy television and use telephones more easily. With TDDs deaf people can type telephone conversations to family members, friends, and business contacts.
Decoders help people with a hearing loss to read the speakers' words on the television screen.
Specially designed listening systems make it possible for hearing impaired people to hear the speakers' words in a large room or auditorium. You may see these symbols on phones in public places. They identify special phones that make sound louder for users with hearing problems. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Gallaudet University 800 Florida Ave.