Amplified phones

Amplified phones are specifically designed phones for people with hearing loss, allowing you to adjust the sound as necessary to hear speech clearly.

For those with hearing loss, everyday activities like talking on the phone can be challenging. While some people might avoid talking on the phone so their friends and family don't get frustrated with repeating themselves, amplified phones can help you stay in touch with loved ones. (So can captioned phones and caption apps.)

Most people who use amplified phones don't use hearing aids yet, but people with hearing aids can certainly use them, as well.

You can purchase an amplified phone with or without a cord, depending on your preference and budget.

Do you need an amplified phone?

People with hearing loss have many resources available to make it easier to understand others and communicate properly. If you are unsure if getting an amplified phone is the best option for you, here are some considerations:

• How often do you ask family members and friends to repeat themselves while on the phone?
• Are you constantly turning up the volume on the radio or television?
• Is it difficult to understand conversations in loud restaurants or crowded rooms?
• Do you avoid talking on the phone because it is hard to hear the person on the other end of the phone?
• Do you find yourself avoiding social situations because you are hard of hearing?
• Is hearing more difficult in open spaces than in a closed room?
• Is your hearing loss progressive? You may want to purchase a phone with more amplification power than you need now, to plan ahead.

Amplified phones have louder volume and pitch control

Like the name implies, amplified phones allow you to increase the volume of both the ringer and the speaker. But they also have tone control features that make it easier to adjust and hear different pitches. For example, if you have high-frequency hearing loss, you can adjust the volume higher in this frequency range. Some models also have "boost" options that let you temporarily increase the volume if needed.

If you have to ask others to repeat themselves often or you avoid phone calls altogether, you might benefit from an amplified phone.

How loud do amplified phones get?

It depends on the model, but in general amplified phones can amplify calls by about 40 to 50 decibels (dB). Ringers can be as set as high as 100dB. See our page on noise for an infographic showing decibel levels for common sounds.

Hearing aid compatibility

If you wear a hearing aid, cochlear implant or bone-anchored hearing device, make sure your amplified phone is considered "hearing aid compatible." This means it reduces interference between the hearing aid and the phone. (Most models these days include this feature, and so do all smartphones.)

You can also stream calls and audio from your smartphone to your hearing aids via Bluetooth, which sometimes may require downloading an accompanying hearing aid app.

Features and accessories for amplified phones

Landline amplified phones will often come with:

• caller ID
• large number keys
• speakerphone mode that's also amplified
• the capability to connect to a headset
• photo dialing
• backlit keypads
• answering machine with "slow mode" playback
• wall mounts
• special alerts that let you know if the phone is not hung up correctly
• amplified ringers

Preset tones to change pitch of voices

Some phones come with preset tone control that allows you to quickly change the pitch of a person's voice. For example, if you're talking to your adult son who you hear fine, and your grandchild gets on the phone, you can hit the tone control button to make their voice less high-pitched. Many people appreciate this feature.

Extra headsets

Many brands allow you to buy an extra headset without needing to buy an entirely landline. For example, you can have your main phone downstairs, and an extra headset for upstairs, that are connected to the same number.

Extra-loud ringers and visual or vibrating ringers

Do you ever find that you have missed calls completely because you can't hear the telephone ring? Many amplified phones have settings that allow you to turn up the volume on the ringer so that you never miss an important call again.

Some models will even have a visual indicator, like a flashing light, so you can see when you are receiving an incoming call. Some phones have the capability of ringing up to five times louder than a traditional telephone. It varies on the brand, but the ringer volume can go as high as about 115 dB. "Bed shaker" alerts can also vibrate.

Telecoil (t-coil) connection

If you're a hearing aid wearer, you may have a telecoil in your hearing aids. With the flip of a small switch, you can make sure that your hearing aids are only picking up the sound that is coming through the telephone, and not background noise around you.

Bluetooth connection to stream sound

Some phones offer a Bluetooth connection so you can stream the call directly to your hearing aid, cochlear implant or smartphone.

Can I get an amplified phone for free?

Not exactly, but many states have programs that loan phones out to people with hearing loss, as long as the hearing loss has been verified by a health professional. Use this state telephone program guide to check what the benefits are in your state. Some states, such as Texas, offer vouchers. In either case, it makes it very affordable to own an amplified phone.

What about amplified smartphones?

Many smartphones allow you to adjust incoming call volume as needed to make it easier to hear people on the phone. When shopping for a smartphone or cell phone, test out how loud the volume can go on voice calls, both on and off speakerphone mode.

iPhones and iPads come with a lot of sound customization, which they detail on their hearing accessibility features in iOS page.

Samsung/Android phones allow for personalized sound, including a custom "Sound Amplifier" feature if you download the accompanying app on Google Play.

If your smartphone still isn't loud enough, you can also consider getting a portable phone amplifier, see below.

Portable telephone amplifiers

If you travel often or need to understand telephone conversations both at home and at work, you may benefit from using a telephone amplifier, which is a separate device that increases the volume of a regular landline or mobile phone.

In-line amplifiers

Compatible with many types of phone models, in-line telephone amplifiers are best for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. These devices increase sound by up to 40 decibels, and you can control the tone of speech.

Portable amplifiers

People with mild-to-moderate hearing loss may benefit best from using a portable amplifier, which increases sounds by up to 30 decibels. These small devices attach to the headset on a telephone, with a built-in control for volume, so it's simple to make the conversation louder or softer. This is a great option for people who talk on the phone on a regular basis, because an incoming caller may have different settings on their phone.

Degree of hearing loss

When you are finding the perfect amplified phone to buy, you will need to consider your degree of hearing loss, so that the product you purchase has the clearest quality. The best way to find your degree of hearing loss is by getting a comprehensive hearing evaluation:

Mild hearing loss: If you have mild hearing loss, you may find that conversations aren't always clear. You can hear sound, but it may sound muffled or odd. People with a mild condition may strain while chatting with someone because sounds like "f" and "th" can be difficult to decipher, as well as children's and women's voices. In technical terms, mild hearing loss is defined as being able to hear speech between 26 and 40 decibels.

Moderate hearing loss: Do you find yourself constantly asking other people to repeat themselves? If so, you might be categorized as having moderate hearing loss. People with moderate hearing loss generally are able to hear sounds between 40 and 70 decibels.

Severe hearing loss: If you have severe hearing loss, chances are you are using hearing aids on a regular basis to hear sounds and understand speech. People with severe hearing loss can only hear sounds between 70 and 90 decibels. People with severe hearing loss will benefit from a phone with high amplification.

A hearing test with a qualified hearing care professional can determine your specific degree of hearing loss, you can find the perfect phone that suits your needs.

Talk to a hearing care professional

Hearing healthcare professionals often display and demonstrate amplified phones. You may be able to try different models to see how they work for you. A hearing aid specialist near you can also help you determine whether you qualify for free or reduced-rate phones from resources in your area.