SERVICES

Hearing Carry-Over (HCO)

1-800-833-6388

Hearing Carry Over (HCO) allows speech-disabled users with hearing capabilities to listen to the person they are calling. The HCO user types his/her conversation for the operator to read to the standard (voice) telephone user.

Instructions

• Dial the HCO number, 1-800-833-6388.
• An operator will answer "WA TRS 8024 (M) NUMBER CALLING PLEASE?" GA. 8024 is one of operator identification numbers, as each operator has his/her own identification number which is rotated on a scheduled basis. (F) or (M) is the gender of the operator. GA is "go ahead" which means it's your turn to speak/type.
• Type the area code and telephone number of the party you want to call, then "HCO PLEASE GA"
• After connection, the operator will not repeat what the other person has voiced directly to you, but only voice your typed conversations to the other person. After you type "GA," you'd need to pick up the handset to listen to the spoken reply (as well as returning the handset back to the TTY before typing again). You both will need to say "GA" at the end of your responses.

HCO to TTY

The HCO user listens while the operator voices the TTY user's typed message. The HCO user types his/her conversation directly to the TTY user.

HCO to HCO

HCO users may contact other HCO users through Washington Relay. The operator will voice to both parties what is typed on each user's TTY.