For residents of Palm Beach County who are among the 3 million Floridians with hearing loss, help has arrived. Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc. (FTRI), the nonprofit distributor of amplified telephones for people with hearing loss and speech challenges, is offering an innovative new amplified telephone at no cost to local residents with hearing loss.
Amplified phones are lifelines for people with hearing loss, keeping them connected to and engaged with loved ones. FTRI is making the XLC3.4, developed by Clarity, available to residents for free. It is an easy-to-use cordless phone with talking Caller ID that boosts incoming sounds up to 50 decibels. The XLC3.4 is designed to meet varying degrees of hearing loss, from moderate to severe.
To obtain the phone, permanent Florida residents who are certified as having a hearing loss must complete an application, found at www.ftri.org, or call (800) 222-3448. FTRI has more than 30 regional distribution centers throughout the state, including some serving Palm Beach County. Find the closest center on the FTRI web site.
“Hearing loss is a serious issue that too often goes overlooked. Our state has among the largest populations of people with hearing loss in the U.S, and these are the people we are here to help,” said James Forstall, FTRI’s executive director. “The XLC3.4 dramatically improves phone conversations, one of the first and most common challenges for those with hearing loss. It is an easy-to-use, life-changing phone that we are proud to offer to Palm Beach County residents.”
The XLC3.4 features the digital amplification found in hearing aids to increase sound up to 50 decibels. The phone also amplifies outgoing speech up to 15 decibels so everyone on the call hears and understands clearly, and it features a loud and clear speakerphone. Both the Caller ID and dial pad “talk” to users. Plus, the large, easy-to-read buttons help people with vision loss.
Finally, the XLC3.4 features ClarityLogic customer support service for easy setup and customization of the phone, should users have any technical questions or need support.
“FTRI is an important resource that more Floridians need to be aware of,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. “FTRI brings attention to hearing loss, an issue that is only growing every day. We are proud to partner with FTRI to make the XLC3.4 available at no cost to residents who need amplified phones
To learn more, visit www.ftri.org.
