New headset by Geemarc helps deaf people save millions

Source Link - New headset by Geemarc helps deaf people save millions

DEAF and hard of hearing people can now take advantage of millions of pounds of free phone calls using web-based software, say experts.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software such as Skype allows users to make free calls to each other. Deaf and hard of hearing people often struggle to hear the person on the other end of the line due to the lower sound quality and scarcity of specialist equipment.

However, new technology developed by a UK company has arrived in the shape of adapted headsets compatible with hearing aids which help amplify the sound.

Geemarc Telecom, the company behind the CLA3 headset, which retails at GBP29, says the product will help up to nine million people make better use of free software and save millions of pounds.

Andrew Grossman, managing director of Geemarc, said: "Historically, deaf and hard of hearing people have struggled to use free online calls because of the lack of specialist equipment to help them hear the call.

"This headset means that people with hearing aids can hear calls more clearly and can now make better use of VoIP and similar chat services.

"We've developed this product with input from deaf and hard of hearing people and we are helping them take advantage of this worldwide revolution in telecommunications.

"Many deaf and hearing impaired people have friends all over the world and come together online socially as a result of their hearing impairment. We feel that easier access to VoIP software will help them save millions of pounds in traditional international and national phone bills over the next few years." About VoIP VoIP allows people to speak to others either locally or internationally over an internet connection rather than a phone line.

VoIP works by converting vocal signals into high frequency digital signals which can then be transmitted over the internet in real time.

If you regularly talk to people in other countries, or simply in other area codes, VoIP can bring huge savings because the usual cost involved in phoning long distance is no longer a factor. Instead you can use your internet connection to talk to your friends for free.

What do I need? To start using VoIP you'll need a computer with internet access, plus a microphone and speakers or a headset (so that you can talk into the microphone and hear the person you're talking to either through a headset or through speakers). Specialist VoIP phones are also available. You might also buy a webcam which will allow you to see the person you are talking to and for them to see you, much like a videophone. Bear in mind using video can sometimes lessen the quality of your audio connection.

Skype isn't the only provider in the VoIP market however; names such as Tesco and BT are now realising the potential of a computer to computer communication medium and have begun to offer broadband packages to reflect this capability.

CONTACT: Geemarc Telecom WWW: http://www.geemarc.com Peter Davies, for Geemarc Telecom e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)161 927 3131 ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected].