Text Telephones (TTY)

Text Telephones, or TTYs, are devices that allow individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate over the phone using written text. Users type messages onto a keyboard, which are then transmitted as typed text to the other party, who can read them on a screen. TTYs often connect to a relay service, allowing communication with standard phone users by converting text to voice and vice versa. While technology has advanced with smartphones and instant messaging, TTYs played a crucial role in making telephone communication accessible to those with hearing impairments.