Mci, Inc.

Worldcom, Inc.

James O Smith, Jr

William A McClelland

Chris R Heidelbauer

A method for providing communication services for the hearing-impaired includes establishing a communication link between a hearing-impaired party and a communication assistant. The communication assistant may also establish a voice link with a hearing party. The hearing-impaired party and the communication assistant may then communicate via text messages, such as instant messages. The hearing party may send a voice message to the communication assistant. The communication assistant may then convert the voice message into an instant message and transmit the instant message to the hearing-impaired party. The communication assistant may also convert instant messages received from the hearing-impaired party into voice messages for the hearing party.

Method and system for providing communication services for hearing-impaired parties

A method for providing telephone services for the hearing-impaired includes establishing a conference call between a hearing-impaired party, a hearing party and a communication assistant. The hearing party sends a voice message to the communication assistant. The communication assistant converts the voice message into a corresponding text message and transmits the text message to the hearing-impaired party. The text message is displayed to the hearing-impaired party using a device that includes a modem. The modem outputs a synchronization tone in response to receiving the text message. The synchronization tone and other tones may then be filtered to ensure that they do not reach the communication assistant and the hearing party.

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Marion, IA, United States of America

James O Smith, Jr