HCO Hearing Carry Over

Hearing Carry Over (HCO) allows speech-disabled users with hearing to listen to the person they are calling.  The HCO user types his/her part of the conversation for the Nordia Relay CA to read aloud to the standard telephone user.

Select a call type below to view the step by step instructions for each type of call:

1.  Dial 1-866-734-2304 to reach a dedicated HCO CA.

2.  A Nordia CA will answer by voicing, “California Relay Service, Nordia Operator “1234” (CA’s ID #), “F” or “M” (for CA's gender), may I have the area code and telephone number you would like to call, please GA”.    

3.  Type the area code and telephone number you are calling followed by “GA” when you are finished typing and ready for a response.

4. If needed, pick up the handset of your phone. The CA will tell you that your call is being placed.  If a person answers, the CA will announce the call as a “Hearing Carry Over” call, then verbally ask you to begin typing your message.

5.  If necessary, replace the handset and type your message, followed by "GA" when you are finished typing and ready for a response.

6.  The CA will read your message aloud to the person you have called.

7.  If necessary, pick up the handset again to listen to the person you have called speak directly to you, and then replace it when you are ready to type your reply.

8.  Continue this process throughout the duration of your call. When you are ready to hang up, type “SK” then pick up your handset to hear the CA say “goodbye”.

HCO users listen while the Nordia Relay CA reads aloud the TTY user’s typed message.  The HCO user types his/her conversation directly to the TTY user.

1.   Dial 1-866-734-2304 to reach a dedicated HCO CA.

2.  A Nordia CA will answer by voicing, “California Relay Service, Nordia Operator “1234” (CA’s ID #), “F” or “M” (for CA's gender), may I have the area code and telephone number you would like to call, please GA”. 

3.  Type to the CA that you are making a HCO to TTY (HTT) call and provide him/her the area code and telephone number you are calling followed by “GA” when you are finished typing and ready for a response.  

4.  If needed, pick up the handset of your phone. The CA will tell you that your call is being placed.  If a person answers, the CA will type that the call is a “HCO to TTY” call then verbally ask you to begin typing your message.

5.  Replace the handset and type your message. Please type “GA” when you are finished typing and wait for a response. The CA will retype your message for the TTY user you have called to read.

6.  Pick up the handset again to listen to the CA read the TTY user’s response directly to you then replace it when you are ready to type your reply.

7.  Follow this process throughout the duration of your call. When you are ready to hang up, type “SK” then pick up your handset to hear the CA say “goodbye”.

HCO users can contact other HCO users through Nordia’s Traditional Relay Service.

The Nordia CA reads aloud to both parties what is typed on the other user’s TTY. 

1.  Dial 1-866-734-2304 (HCO) to reach a dedicated HCO CA.

2.  A Nordia CA will answer by voicing, “California Relay Service, Nordia Operator “1234” (CA’s ID #), “F” or “M” (for CA's gender), may I have the area code and telephone number you would like to call, please GA”.     

3.  Type to the CA that you are making a HCO to HCO (HTH) call and provide him/her with the area code and telephone number you are calling followed by “GA” when you are finished typing and ready for a response. 

4.  If needed, pick up the handset of your phone. The CA will tell you that your call is being placed.  If a person answers, the CA will type that the call is a “HTH” call then verbally ask you to begin typing your message.

5.  Replace the handset and type your message. Please type “GA” when you are finished typing and wait for a response. The CA will read your message aloud to the other HCO user you have called.    

6.  Pick up the handset again to listen to the CA read the HCO user’s response directly to you then replace it when you are ready to type your reply.

7.  Follow this process throughout the duration of your call. When you are ready to hang up, type “SK” then pick up your handset to hear the CA say “goodbye”.

Although Nordia’s relay calls are always confidential by law, you may feel more comfortable if the CA is not listening in while the person you have called is speaking. If this is the case, follow the Instructions for HCO calls.  Then, when you are done typing your message, type "Privacy HCO" and the CA will disconnect their headset while the person you have called speaks. When your typing appears again, the CA will reconnect and read your message to the person you have called.

For people who do not have a provider of choice when dialing 711 in California, the calls are distributed among 3 different Relay Service providers. 

If you want your provider of choice to be Nordia, simply fill in a 711 choice form, which is accessible from our homepage.  You can also talk to a CA who will do this for you - just dial 1-866-734-2833 (TTY/Voice) and tell the CA you would like to create a 711 choice form and select Nordia as your provider of choice.  You may also dial any of our 800 numbers to connect directly to the call type of your choice.