Which communication tool was designed to assist individuals with hearing impairments?

The correct answer is Text Relay Service, which is a communication tool specifically designed to assist individuals with hearing impairments. This service allows for the transmission of text-based messages between individuals using traditional telephones and those who may be deaf or hard of hearing. In a typical setup, a person who uses text can type out their message, and a relay operator will read it aloud to the hearing party. Conversely, the operator will then type the spoken response for the hearing-impaired user to read. This facilitates effective communication by bridging the gap between different forms of communication.

Voice Carry Over, while beneficial, is designed for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing but can speak, allowing them to carry on a conversation without needing to speak directly into the phone. Therefore, it is not exclusively a tool for those with hearing impairments, as it can include individuals who can vocalize their messages.

Automatic Message Systems and Two-way radios are not designed specifically for individuals with hearing impairments. Automatic Message Systems typically provide pre-recorded messages and are used in various messaging contexts, while Two-way radios provide audio communication that does not accommodate users with hearing challenges as effectively as text-based systems do. Thus, Text Relay Service remains the most inclusive option for those with hearing