HCO (Hearing Carry-Over)

HCO is for people with significant speech disabilities who can hear what is being said over the phone. The HCO user types his or her side of the conversation, using a TTY or similar device, and the CA voices the typed words to the other person. When the other person speaks, the HCO user listens directly to what is being said.

Two-Line HCO
This feature gives HCO users additional control and allows them to have an interactive conversation without the use of “GA” and “SK." The CA will not identify the relay and will only voice the typed text of the HCO user to the person he/she has called.

To make an HCO call (a Georgia Relay Customer Profile is highly recommended for HCO users and will streamline the following steps):

1. Dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-255-0056 to reach Georgia Relay.

2. When the message, "GTRS CA #XXXX (M/F) NBR PLS Q GA," appears on your text screen, type the area code and telephone number you are calling, followed by "HCO GA."

3. Your call will be transferred to a Communications Assistant (CA) whose identification number and gender ("M" for male and "F" for female) will appear on your text screen display. The CA will then send the message, "HCO ON GA," to your text screen.

4. When the person you are calling answers, you can listen directly to him or her. Please remember to type "GA" when you are ready to hear the other party's response. This alerts him or her to begin responding to you.

5. If you want to make another Relay call after your conversation is finished, stay on the line and the CA will assist you.