Communication is a cornerstone of our daily lives. For individuals with hearing loss, conventional telephones often fall short—leading to missed conversations, frustration, and a sense of isolation. That’s where specialized amplified phones come in. Designed with accessibility at their core, these phones amplify sound, support hearing aids, feature visual call alerts, and include user-friendly designs such as large buttons and programmable memory keys.
In this comprehensive guide, we review and compare the best telephones for the hard of hearing available today. Whether you’re searching for a phone for yourself, an elderly parent, or a loved one, this article will help you choose the right device with confidence.
Understanding the Challenges of Hearing Loss with Telephones
About 15% of American adults report some trouble hearing. Trying to understand speech on the phone can be frustrating for them. I remember my grandma always asking me to repeat myself. Talking on the phone became a struggle. She missed important details. It was hard on both of us.
Why Telephones for Hard of Hearing are Important
Hearing impairment affects how people connect and interact with the world around them. Standard phones are rarely built with these challenges in mind. Amplified telephones provide features tailored to the needs of those with hearing difficulties. These enhancements improve communication clarity, reduce frustration, and boost user confidence.
Essential Features to Consider
When shopping for an amplified phone, these features make a significant difference:
🔊 Amplified Volume
- Volume boost of up to +40dB or more
- Crucial for clear conversations in real-time
🦻 Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
- Works seamlessly with hearing aids, especially those with T-coil support
- Reduces interference and delivers clearer sound
💡 Visual Call Alerts
- Flashing lights indicate incoming calls
- Useful in loud rooms or for those with dual sensory loss
🎚️ Tone and Frequency Control
- Adjust pitch to better distinguish voices
- Particularly helpful for individuals with high-frequency hearing loss
🔢 Ergonomic Keypad and Display
- Large, tactile, and high-contrast buttons
- Easy to navigate for users with vision or motor impairments
📷 Photo Memory Buttons
- Customizable keys with family photos for one-touch calling
- Ideal for users with cognitive decline or memory difficulties
Top 5 Amplified Phones for Hearing Loss
📞 SWISSVOICE Xtra 1110
The SWISSVOICE Xtra 1110 stands out for its simplicity, making it ideal for individuals less familiar with technology. Designed with large buttons and an intuitive layout, it caters to elderly users who may find smaller keys challenging. Photo buttons simplify the process of calling frequent contacts, adding to its practicality. The device features adjustable sound levels, accommodating varying degrees of hearing impairment. Additionally, the LED call indicator ensures that incoming calls are easily noticed, even if the ringer is missed.
● Photo Buttons: Six large memory buttons with photos and an SOS feature for easy access to loved ones.
● Large Buttons: Extra-large keys for photos and dialing, suitable for the visually impaired or those with unsteady hands.
● Extra Loud: Adjustable ringer volume up to 80 dB and hearing aid compatibility.
● Call Indicator: Built-in LED for clear visibility of incoming calls.
SWISSVOICE Xtra 1110 Verdict 1110
Best For: Seniors who prefer simplicity and visual dialling aids.
📞 Amplicomms BigTel 1583
The Amplicomms BigTel 1583 is notable for its outstanding volume settings and visual ring indicator, ensuring calls are easily noticeable, even in noisy settings. With an adjustable ringer volume louder than a lawnmower, it is an excellent choice for individuals with hearing challenges. Its oversized buttons provide simplicity and ease of use, particularly for users with visual impairments or unsteady hands. While the main handset delivers reliable performance, the clarity of additional handsets can sometimes be inconsistent, especially when used with digital lines.
● Adjustable Ringer Volume: Up to 90dB for loud, easily noticeable calls.
● Amplified Call Audio: Boosts sound by 35dB for clear conversations.
● Large Buttons: Easy-to-use keys, ideal for visually impaired or elderly users.
● Visual Ring Indicator: Bright light for incoming call alerts.
● Hearing Aid Compatible: Ensures seamless communication for hearing aid users.
Amplicomms BigTel 1583 Verdict
Best For: Users with both hearing and vision impairments
📞 Amplicomms BigTel 40
The Amplicomms BigTel 1583 offers exceptional features for users with hearing or vision challenges. Its adjustable ringer volume is notably loud, ensuring calls are easily noticed even in busy surroundings. The visual ring indicator adds another layer of accessibility, making incoming calls hard to miss. Designed with usability in mind, its oversized buttons are perfect for individuals with limited vision or dexterity, simplifying the dialing process. While the main handset provides reliable performance, the clarity of additional handsets may vary when used with digital lines. This model combines practicality with thoughtful design for enhanced communication.
● One-Touch Audio Boost: +40dB extra loud earpiece volume for effortless conversations.
● Extra Loud Ringer: Adjustable up to 90dB with a visual ringer indicator for missed calls prevention.
● Photo Memory Buttons: Six programmable photo buttons for quick dialing of loved ones or essential contacts.
● Large Keypad & Speed Dial: Big buttons for easy dialing and storage of up to ten speed dial numbers.
● Battery-Free Operation: Works without batteries or power supply, directly plugging into the phone line or router.
Amplicomms BigTel 40 Verdict 40
Best For: Users with moderate to severe hearing loss.
📞 Geemarc CL100
The Geemarc CL100 offers an excellent balance of simplicity and functionality, making it a practical choice for users seeking ease of use. Its large buttons are especially helpful for individuals with visual impairments, while the straightforward design ensures accessibility. The ringer volume is sufficiently loud to effectively grab attention. However, the layout could be more user-friendly, as the similarity between the memory buttons and number buttons might cause occasional confusion.
● Hearing Aid Compatible: Works seamlessly with hearing aids when set to the “T” setting.
● Extra Loud Ringer: 80dB ringtone, as loud as a vacuum cleaner, paired with a visual ring indicator to ensure no call is missed.
● Volume Boost Control: Easy-to-use slider amplifies receiver volume up to 30dB, with settings that can be saved for consistent use.
● Large Buttons.
● Memory Buttons: 12 one-touch buttons, including three color-coded for quick access to emergency contacts or loved ones.
● No Mains Power Needed: Operates directly via the landline, no need for a power source.
● Mute Function: Allows private conversations without being overheard.
Geemarc CL100 Verdict
Best For: Those who need consistent and simple functionality
📞 BT Big Button 200
The BT Big Button 200 is a practical choice for elderly users or those with visual impairments, thanks to its large, easy-to-use buttons. It delivers clear sound, adjustable volume control, and hands-free functionality for added ease. While the requirement for 4 AA batteries may be less convenient and the ringtone might be too loud for some settings, the phone remains a dependable, hearing aid-compatible option.
● Hearing aid compatible
● Strong volume amplification
● Hands-free speaker mode
● 3 one-touch dial memory buttons
BT Big Button 200 Verdict
Best For: Seniors who want a basic but effective amplified phone
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Chart
| Feature | Xtra 1110 | BigTel 1583 | BigTel 40 | CL100 | BT 200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Volume (dB) | 80 | 90 | 90 | 80 | N/A |
| Tone Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hearing Aid Compatible | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Visual Alerts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Photo Memory Buttons | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Speakerphone | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Choosing the Right Phone by Needs
👴 For Seniors with Vision or Memory Issues
- Recommended: SWISSVOICE Xtra 1110, Amplicomms BigTel 40
- Features to prioritize: Photo buttons, large high-contrast keys, plug-and-play use
👂 For Severe Hearing Loss
- Recommended: Amplicomms BigTel 1583, BigTel 40
- Features to prioritize: Max volume amplification, tone control, visual alerts
👀 For Visual Impairments
- Recommended: BigTel 1583
- Features to prioritize: Large screen, tactile keys, backlit display
Maintenance Tips
- Clean regularly: Wipe down handset and keypad
- Test sound monthly: Ensure volume/tone settings remain ideal
- Replace batteries: If using cordless or battery-powered models
- Update contacts: Keep memory/photo keys current
Assisting a Loved One in Finding the Ideal Hard of Hearing Phone
When helping someone choose the right phone for hearing difficulties, it’s important to involve them in the process by trying devices together to ensure they meet their needs. Observing their comfort level is crucial—check if they can hear, see, and operate the phone with ease. Preferences also play a significant role, as features like simplicity, display size, or photo buttons may vary in importance depending on the user. Lastly, make sure to review warranties and opt for products that come with a satisfaction guarantee or return policy for added peace of mind.
Conclusion
Access to clear, confident communication should be universal. The right amplified telephone not only improves sound clarity—it restores independence and connection. Whether it’s the powerful ringer, intuitive buttons, or memory dial options, these phones are a vital tool for anyone managing hearing loss.
FAQs
Can telephones for hard of hearing connect to hearing aids?
Yes. All reviewed models are compatible with T-coil hearing aids and minimize interference.
What is a good ringer volume for hard of hearing users?
A ringer volume of 80–90dB ensures incoming calls are not missed, even in noisy environments.
Do telephones for hard of hearing work without electricity?
Certain models like the BigTel 40 operate directly through a landline connection and don’t require external power.
What features should I look for in telephones for the hard of hearing?
Look for amplified sound (above +30dB), hearing aid compatibility, visual alerts, large buttons, and memory/photo buttons.
