The world is full of options for those with hearing impairments. There are many different phone models that work well as a phone for the deaf or hard-of-hearing, and it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to your needs. If you’re looking for a new cell phone but have trouble understanding conversations on the other end, this article will answer common questions about what features make good phones for hearing impaired people and offer helpful tips on how to choose a great model.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best phone for a person with hearing loss depends on that individual’s specific needs and preferences. However, most phones designed for people with hearing impairments offer features like amplified sound, captioning or text messaging, and louder ringer volumes. Some even come equipped with special sensors that can detect when someone is speaking into the phone so the user can read captions of what the other person is saying in real time.
Hearing Impaired Telephone Models
The Hamilton Captel 2400i Captioned Telephone is the best phone for hearing impaired consumers. It has a large, backlit display screen that enables captioning of telephone conversations through digital real-time text encoding. This makes it easier to hear and understand what people are saying on voice calls while also making them aware of other sounds in their environment so they can respond accordingly.
The phone has a built-in digital answering machine with up to 15 minutes of recording time and an easy playback button to review messages.
The Captel 2400i has a three-line backlit display for large print and high contrast, an amplified speakerphone with volume control to make it easier listen to callers without having to put them on hold or miss any parts of phone conversations and tactile keys so hearing impaired consumers can feel where the buttons are located in order to use the telephone independently.
This is one of best phones for seniors who have limited vision due to age related macular degeneration (AMD). It’s also perfect for people with low vision that want clear visual representation of what they hear during their calls such as captions when using voice mail services like Vonage or other telecommunication companies .
- Backlit large display screen
- Amplified speaker phone w/ volume control
- Easy to use three line backlit display
- Higher cost than other models on the market.
The Clarity XLC is one of the best phones for hearing impaired. It’s enhanced amplification and sound clarity make it easier to hear conversations. The phone features DECT technology, which ensures security while making long-distance calls with clear connections. With a large font size on bright orange buttons, this product makes dialing simple even for those with poor eyesight.
The XLC has a loud ringer that can be turned up to high or off, and six one-touch speed dial buttons that can be used to store contacts or frequently called numbers. It also has a volume-boost button, which makes conversations louder and easier for the hearing impaired to hear.
The Clarity XLC is one of the best phones for hearing impaired because it’s enhanced amplification ensures clear connections with ease of use features like larger font sizes on bright orange keys.
- Enhanced amplification
- DECT technology for clear connections
- Loud ringer with high or off volume setting
- Six one touch speed dial buttons
- Volume boost button
- N/A
The Panasonic KX-TGM450S is a great option for those who are looking for an amplified cordless phone. This phone has up to 30dB of amplification, which can be helpful for those with moderate or severe hearing loss. The phone also features Talking Caller ID, which will announce the name of the person calling you before you even pick up the phone.
The Panasonic KX-TGM450S has a talking alarm clock and calendar, which can be helpful for those who need a little extra help keeping track of their day. This phone is a great option for those looking for an amplified cordless phone that has all the features they need.
The KX-TGM450S has a bright visual ring indicator, which will make it easy for those with low vision to know when someone is calling. It also features amplified audio and comes with both handset and base units. The phone can be wall mounted or placed on a desk and the battery backup ensures that your calls won’t get cut off in case of power outage (battery not included).
This phone requires four AA batteries (not included) and one UL listed AC adapter (included). This product weighs 12 ounces without its packaging and measures at 11 x 13 x 16 inches.
- Very easy to use
- Amplified audio can make it easier for those with mild or moderate hearing loss to hear the conversation on the other end.
- Users reported that if they pushed too hard against their ear, some sounds would become distorted and difficult to understand.
The SMPL Hands-Free Dial Photo Memory Corded Phone is a great option for those with hearing impairments. This phone has large buttons that are easy to see, and it also features a photo memory function which can store up to 100 contacts. The phone also comes with a loud ringer and an adjustable volume control, making it easy to hear even when it’s not at its loudest. This phone comes with a receiver that has tone control, which allows you to adjust the pitch of the sound to make it easier for you to hear. This phone is a great option for those who have trouble hearing because it comes with special features that help to amplify sound and make voices easier to hear, but it also looks stylish.
This corded landline phone from SMPL has been very popular among customers in the United States . It’s one of the best selling phones. Customers report being very happy with the sound quality, design and features of this phone.
The Hands-Free Dial Photo Memory Corded Phone is a great option for those with hearing impairments as it has large buttons that are easy to see, a photo memory function which can store up to 100 contacts and an adjustable volume control. With its loud ringer and tone control receiver it’s easy to hear even when the volume isn’t at its loudest.
- Loud ringer and adjustable volume control
- Comes with a receiver that has tone control
- Has large buttons which are easy to see for those who have trouble seeing small objects.
- None
This phone has large buttons and a bright display which can be seen from across the room. It is hearing aid compatible and includes a loud ringer with adjustable volume. The JEKAVIS JF11W also features caller ID, call waiting, mute, redial, and flash. This phone is perfect for those with moderate to severe hearing loss or who are completely deaf.
This corded landline phone has been very popular among customers in the United States . Customers report being satisfied with the quality of sound and ease of use. On Amazon, this phone has received an average rating of four out five stars over thirty reviews. Customers say that the ringer is very loud and easy to hear even in noisy environments. However some customers wish that there was a speakerphone included with the product so they could use it without lifting up their receiver or be able to turn down the ringer if need be. Other people have reported not being satisfied with customer service when calling for support on certain issues such as hearing aid compatibility .
This landline phone costs handsets since most handset instead of twoabout $100 which many reviewers find worth it considering how much more expensive other phones are. Some people feel like this price point makes up for what you are missing out on by having only one handset.
- Large buttons and bright display
- Loud ringer with adjustable volume
- Hearing aid compatible
- No speakerphone included; unable to turn down the ringer if need be.
The FC-280 is a corded phone that has been designed for seniors. It comes with large buttons, which makes it easy to dial numbers and navigate through the menus. The phone also features caller ID, so you can see who is calling before you answer. Additionally, the FC-280 includes a bright visual ringer, making it easier for those with hearing impairments to know when they are receiving a call. The FC-280 also has a dedicated emergency button that can be pressed to place an emergency call.
This big button phone for seniors comes with a digital answering system and a speakerphone, as well as the ability to store up to 50 phone numbers. The FC-280 also comes with four ringtones and six rings before your call is sent to voice mail.
The Future Call FD-3150 is another big button cordless phone for seniors that has been designed with large buttons and an easy-to-navigate menu structure in mind. This model features a bright visual ringer along with extra loud volume – both of which work together to ensure those who are hearing impaired never miss a call again.
- Loud ringer and extra loud volume
- Big buttons for seniors with poor vision
- Easy to read display
- Corded phone is bulky and may not be convenient in all situations
The Clarity Alto is a great phone for people with hearing impairments. This phone amplifies sound up to 30 decibels, making it easier to hear conversations on the line. The large buttons are also easy to see and press, which is helpful if you have vision problems too.
Another feature that makes this phone useful for those with hearing impairments is the extra loud ringer. The Clarity Alto can be set to one of four different volume levels, so you can be sure you’ll always hear it ringing.
Most hearing impaired people know that the best phone for them is one with amplified sound. But it can be hard to find an amplified phone on today’s market, especially if you want a full-featured model like this Clarity Alto. If so many features are important to you, then your best bet may be getting another type of device altogether: a speciality telephone . The most popular of these devices right now is the TDD (telecommunication device for the deaf). You don’t need internet access or even any additional equipment; all you do is use your regular handset cord and plug it into the TTD unit instead.
- Amplifies sound up to 30 decibels
- Large buttons are easy to see and press
- Extra loud ringer
- Four different volume levels
- May be too bulky for some people
The Hamilton Captel 840i is a high-quality phone that makes it easy for the hearing impaired to communicate. It comes with two built-in teletypewriters (TTYs), as well as a built-in captioning decoder. This means you don’t have to purchase a separate device to use the phone.
It also comes with CID, which gives you caller ID and call waiting features so that you can see who is calling and decide whether or not they need your attention right away. The display screen uses large print and bright colours for easy readability, making it ideal for seniors. It has adjustable volume controls as well as nine speed dial keys on the front of the base unit. A headset jack allows users who are hard-of-hearing to place calls using their preferred listening aid such as a hearing horn or an induction coupler designed specifically for teletypewriters. This handset cordless telephone includes automatic battery backup in case of power outage while providing 60 hours of standby time.
The Hamilton Captel 840i is an excellent choice for a phone designed specifically for the hearing impaired.
- Comes with two TTYs and a built-in captioning decoder
- CID (caller ID and call waiting) features, large print display screen
- Not wall mountable.
The VTech SN51927 is a great option for seniors who are looking for an amplified cordless phone. This phone has hearing aid compatibility and comes with a speakerphone and an answering machine. The sound quality on this phone is really clear, making it a good choice for those who have difficulty hearing.
This phone comes with a digital answering machine which is nice for seniors who are forgetful and have trouble keeping track of messages. It has a 30-name and number directory, making it easy to keep track of your contacts. The display is an LCD display with large text making it easy to see. This phone also comes with four alert styles, six ringtones and ten wallpapers that are all customizable.
The VTech SN51927 has a 50 decibel amplifier which makes the sound quality very clear for seniors who have trouble hearing. It works on landlines but can be used wirelessly as well if there happens to not be a corded connection available. The battery life lasts up 12 hours before needing recharged or replaced so you don’t need to worry about replacing batteries during the day .
- Great amplification
- Clear sound quality, even with background noise.
- Easy to use interface and buttons makes this phone great for seniors who might have trouble seeing or using small buttons.
- The speakerphone is not very loud so it may be difficult for those with serious hearing loss to hear conversations on the other end of the line.
This phone is designed for those who are hearing impaired. It has a large, easy-to-read display and big buttons that make it easy to dial. There is also a built-in speakerphone so you can easily hands-free talk on the phone. The sound quality is very clear, which is great if you have difficulty hearing.
This phone comes with a Caller ID and an answering machine. The battery life is long lasting, so you don’t need to worry about it running out of power during an important call. It’s also wall mountable, so you can place it in a convenient spot on your wall.
The ORNIN S018 Big Button Corded Telephone with Speaker is a great option for those who are hearing impaired. It has many features that make it easy to use, and the sound quality is clear. Plus, it’s wall mountable for added convenience.
- Large, easy-to-read display
- Big buttons make it easy to dial
- Built-in speakerphone for hands-free talking
- Clear sound quality
- Comes with Caller ID and answering machine
- None
How to Choose A Hearing Impaired Telephone
Amplification is a measure of how loud the phone will be when you’re speaking into it. It’s measured in decibels (dB), with higher numbers meaning that your voice is going to sound louder and more clear on the other end of the line. For those who have high-frequency hearing loss, consider phones that offer amplification up to 40 dB or even 60 dB for optimal results.
For people who need just basic amplification levels but don’t want to spend too much money, look for telephones with 30-35 dB range which are typically less expensive than models offering better clarity or stronger volume capabilities. These should work well enough for most individuals so long as they aren’t affected by severe forms of hearing impairment.
The outgoing amplification setting on your phone is the volume at which the other person will hear you when you’re speaking. This is important to consider if you have a hard time hearing others or if you frequently speak in noisy environments. Look for phones that offer an outgoing amplification of at least 40 dB so that the other person can easily understand what you’re saying without having to strain.
If there are multiple people in your household who need to use the phone, consider a model with adjustable amplification levels so each individual can control their own settings depending on their needs.
Cordless phones are great for people who frequently move around while they talk so you don’t have to stay in one place. They typically come with a base unit that stays plugged into an outlet, and then additional handsets which can be carried anywhere within your house or outside of it.
While corded options aren’t quite as mobile since the handset must remain connected to its base at all times, some models allow you to use cords up to 300 feet long for increased flexibility when moving throughout your home if necessary. Just make sure there’s somewhere near where you plan on using it where there is an electrical socket available before purchasing this type of phone for hearing impaired.
If you currently use a hearing aid or are thinking about getting one in the future, it’s important to find a phone that is compatible with your device. This will ensure that all of your sound frequencies are picked up by the phone so you can have the clearest conversation possible.
There are many different phones on the market that offer Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC), and most major brands like Samsung, Apple, and LG have at least one model available. You can usually find this information included in the product descriptions or specs listed on their websites.
If you’re not sure whether or not your current hearing aid is compatible with a certain phone, contact the manufacturer for more details before making a purchase.
For those who have a hard time seeing or handling the small buttons found on most telephones, look for models with larger dialing pads that are easier to see and press. The standard size is typically around one inch by two inches, but if this seems too difficult you might want to try ones which measure at least an inch by three inches instead.
Smaller handsets can also be difficult for people with arthritis so consider buying a phone whose handset measures roughly six ounces or more before making a purchase. If possible, ask someone else in your household to test out different phones so they can provide their honest opinions about how easy it was to use each device’s pad.
Many cordless phones come with answering machines built right in so you can view and listen to any missed calls or messages. This allows you to be more productive and responsive when out of the house, allowing you to check for important updates as soon as possible instead of having to wait until later on.
Make sure that your model has a large enough display screen so it’s easy for those who have trouble seeing small print like senior citizens or adults with macular degeneration to read what the caller ID says without too much difficulty. Some models also combine this feature into their speakerphones if voice commands are difficult for others in your household to use due its high level of sophistication.
Another feature to look for is a phone that stores more than 30 numbers in its memory. This allows you to assign specific names and locations to each person’s number so it can be announced on the display screen instead of a series of meaningless digits when they call. Having this information read aloud by your device will make it easier for those who have trouble recognizing different voices hear where someone is calling from without having to ask them what their name or location is first, even if they aren’t currently on speakerphone mode.
Some models come with headset jacks that allow you to use your cordless phone hands-free by plugging in a compatible pair of headphones. This feature is useful for people who are hard of hearing or actually deaf because they can hold the device up to their ear without having to worry about not being able to hear what’s going on around them at all times, especially if someone comes out suddenly from another room while trying to have an important conversation.
Last but not least, make sure your phone comes with a return guarantee or warranty for at least 90 days in the case that you’re unhappy with its performance. This will give you time to test out each feature and determine whether it’s worth keeping as part of your household or returning them if they don’t live up to their promises. In most cases, this is also valid on phones bought from third party sellers so check those policies before making purchases just in case there are some fine print issues later on down the line.
Different Types of Phones for The Hearing Impaired
A mobile phone, or cell phone, is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a cellular network. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small flip phones to large smartphones with expansive screens. Cell phones are perfect for people who want the convenience of having a phone with them at all times, but they may not be ideal if you need extra amplification or captioning features.
Traditional landline telephones, also known as home phones or wired telephones, connect to a physical address like your house or apartment using copper wiring. This type of phone usually offers more amplified sound options and captioning features than most cell phones do.
Corded telephones have a physical cord that plugs into the wall, while cordless models get their power from a battery or charging station. Cordless phones are more portable and can be used anywhere in your home, but they can also be more susceptible to interference from other electronic devices.
The good news is that most phones for hearing impaired individuals come in both corded and cordless varieties, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
When shopping for a phone for the hearing impaired, it’s important to decide what features are most important to you. Do you need a phone that flashes a light when someone is calling? One with large buttons and easy-to-read numbers? Captions that appear on the screen in real time?
Some phones even come with built-in clocks, calculators, and other basic functions so you don’t have to clutter up your home with multiple devices. Decide which features are necessary for your lifestyle and then shop around until you find the perfect phone for your needs.
Clarity amplified phones are designed for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. They offer a wide range of features, including louder volumes, clearer sound quality, and captioning capabilities. Clarity phones can be either corded or cordless, and many models come with built-in amplifiers that boost the volume of incoming calls so you can hear them more clearly.
If you’re looking for a phone that offers all the bells and whistles, consider a Clarity amplified model. Just be aware that they typically come with a higher price tag than other options on the market.
Tips for using phone for hearing impaired
- Keep your phone close to your hearing aid and talk in a quiet place
- Make sure you can hear the other person, not background noise or music. If this is hard turn down the volume of the speakerphone feature.
- Keep fingers free for typing when on email call so you are able to send quick notes back about what’s being said.
- Don’t use speaker phone if there is a lot of noise around you because this will make it harder for people on the other end to hear you clearly. The microphone used in speakerphone mode is meant to pick up voices in front of the phone, not behind it.
- Try using a wired headset when possible so you can have both hands free for typing what others are saying and doing other tasks simultaneously.
- If your hearing loss is significant or if there’s background noise use a captioned telephone service that lets you read word by word as someone speaks because this will help clarify communication more clearly which may be hard otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
A phone for the hearing impaired is a device that has been adapted to make it easier and more convenient for individuals with this disability. The type of phone you need will differ depending on your needs, which can range from being able to read captions aloud or using a larger font size. There are many benefits associated with phones for the hearing impaired including an increase in quality of life due to increased independence as well as safety through not having to rely on others when communicating. When looking for a new telephone, be sure to take into consideration what features matter most given your specific needs so you don’t have any trouble finding one that fits all of them perfectly!