Types of Relay: 711 / Hearing

What is MassRelay?

MassRelay is a free service for the residents of Massachusetts. It enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, or speech disabled to communicate over the phone.   

Is this for me?

MassRelay makes it possible for you to stay in touch with your friends and family, set a doctor’s appointment, or even order a pizza! Our Relay Operators type or repeat exactly what you communicate during the conversation. 

Free. Simple. Confidential.

MassRelay is a free service available 24 hours a day. You only pay for any long-distance charges. Simply dial 711 from anywhere in the country and talk for as long you like. All calls are confidential.

Do I need special equipment?

Special equipment is available if you are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, or speech disabled. Contact the Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program to find out if you qualify for free or low-cost equipment: 800-300-5658. Learn more about MassEDP.

How does it work?

By using one of the following services, you can call anyone, anywhere, anytime. Choose from Text Telephone (TTY), Voice Carry Over (VCO), Hearing Carry Over (HCO), Speech-to-Speech (STS), or Voice Relay.

Let’s have a chat...

Text Telephone (TTY): for hearing loss or speech disability

If you have hearing loss or a speech disability,
TTY Relay is for you. Simply type your side of the conversation and the Relay Operator will relay it to the other person, and then type the response to you. 

Call 711 or 800-439-2370 to make a TTY call.

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You have a way with words...

Voice Carry Over (VCO): for hearing loss

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or late-deafened, Voice Carry Over (VCO) is for you. VCO is designed for people who can speak clearly, but may have difficulty hearing. You can use your own voice to speak to the other person, and the Relay Operator will type the reply to you.

Call 711 or 866-887-6619 to make a VCO call.

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You’re such a good listener...

Hearing Carry Over (HCO): for speech disability

If you have a speech disability, Hearing Carry Over (HCO) is for you. HCO is designed for people who can hear, but have difficulty speaking clearly. You can type what you want to say, and the Relay Operator will speak your words to the other person. Then you can listen to the other person’s response.  

Call 711 or 800-439-2370 to make an HCO call.

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You have a lot to say...

Speech-to-Speech (STS): for speech clarity

If you have difficulty speaking clearly on the phone, Speech-to-Speech (STS) is for you. STS is designed for people who can hear, but may have difficulty being understood. Our Relay Operators are trained to be familiar with a wide variety of speech patterns. You can use your own voice to speak directly to people who you call, and the Relay Operator will be there for you to clarify as needed.. 

Call 711 or 866-645-9870 to make an STS call.

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We need to talk more often…

Voice Relay: for hearing people using a regular phone

If you would like to make a phone call to someone who is deaf, hard of hearing, or late-deafened, Voice Relay is for you. You can call from any phone, and the  Relay Operator will relay your conversation. It’s a great way to keep the lines of communication open.  

Hearing people, call 711 or 800-439-0183 to make a relay call.

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en Español…

Spanish-speaking Relay Operators are available too!

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This seems difficult...

You don’t have to be a technical whiz! It is an easy, step-by-step process. You’ll be making calls in no time.