Even with mild hearing loss, picking out your friend or family’s voice from background noise – especially if they’re in a public place – can get really difficult.
Not only is it frustrating to not be able to understand what people are saying over the line, but it’s frustrating for them to have you keep asking them to repeat themselves – but thankfully, there are ways to minimize these issues.
Specialist phones for the hearing impaired, whether you suffer from just mild hearing loss, or moderate to severe, help amplify voices, have volume and tone control options, have reading assistance for who’s calling, louder ringtones and call alerts, can connect directly to your hearing aid or hearing amplifier.
To find the best phones for the hearing impaired we researched over 50 available telephones, read every consumer review, and examined the technical details in depth.
When it came down to it, we found two brands of hearing impaired phones that were generally best Panasonic and Clarity. But, we have also recommended a number of other excellent options.
Both brands are leaders in phones specifically designed for people who are hard of hearing. Panasonic phones are slightly newer than the Clarity phones, but we were very impressed with how the phones are designed and the features they come with.
How the Hearing Impaired Phones Compare
Best Telephones For Hearing Loss 2022 Reviews
Here are our top recommendations for hearing aid phones, including landlines phones for seniors hard of hearing, as well as cordless phones for the hearing impaired, and more.
We have included our tips for choosing an amplified phone for deaf people below our product recommendations to help you find your ideal choice, and we have split our recommendations into high-end phones, mid-range, and budget hearing impaired phone options.
Best High-End Cordless Phone For Hearing Impaired: Panasonic KX-TGM450S
- Hear and be heard, loud and clear with volume boost control for Amplified Caller voice volume up to 50 db., Plus six-level voice Tone settings and a loud base unit ringer
- Understand every word, every time more clearly with slow talk to slow the speed of speech in Real time and when checking voice messages
- Big white Backlit LCD, enlarged memory dial buttons Plus bright red LED visual ringer on base unit and Handset enhance visibility and Calling convenience. Rechargeable Battery Ni-MH
- Hear calls from noisy places with noise Reduction to suppress background noise interference for clearer, more comfortable conversation
- Includes power backup, speakerphone, talking Caller ID, talking keypad and phonebook, 9 speed dials, 250-number call block, intercom, accessories, and expandable to 6 handsets. LCD Display 1.8 inch (4.4 cm)
If you’re looking to buy the best telephone available for a hearing impaired person then we’re positive that the Panasonic KX-TGM450S is the best amplified phone for severe hearing loss (and less severe, too).
It beats every other phone out there on the technical specifications, and it is also the easiest to use. This makes it ideal for seniors who don’t want to spend hours learning new and confusing technology – it’s simple and quick to get working straight away.
It amplifies speech to a whopping 50 dB (the highest out of all available phones for hard of hearing) and has 6 levels of tone controls (the most tone settings out of all the phones) so you can set the phone to match your type of hearing loss. Not only that but the phone is set up with accessibility in mind, from talking caller ID and keypad, to easy-to-use speed dial functions.
Also, it comes with a feature called slow talk. This slows down the talker’s rate of speech so you will never struggle to understand what the person on the phone is saying to you. It is definitely the best phone for the hearing impaired available. And it’s our top pick.
Buying tip: Watch the price on the Panasonic KX-TGM450S, if it’s under $120, it’s a GREAT deal.
Runner-Up Best High-End Aid Phone: Clarity XLC3.4+
- 4 tone settings for a customized listening experience & 95dB extra-loud ringer with adjustable tones
- Amplifies incoming sound up to 50 dB & outgoing speech up to 15dB for others to hear better
- Includes dual-power battery allowing calls when power is out & belt clip
- High-contrast Caller ID screen with large font & talking Caller ID
- Hearing aid compatible & TIA-1083 compliant
Our runner-up for the best premium phone for the hearing impaired is the Clarity XLC 3.4.
It’s still amplified to an impressive 50 dB, but unlike the Panasonic KX-TGM450S, only has 4 tone settings.
Buyers are almost universally happy with the Clarity – with more reviews than the Panasonic – showing how big of a hit it is as a phone for hearing impaired seniors.
However, it does lack the same number of tone settings as well as a voicemail facility, so you would need to purchase the additional kit and go through the hassle of setting it up, if this is important to you.
It also doesn’t have speed dial functions, so if you are buying this for a relative or a friend be mindful that they will either have to type their most frequent contact numbers in, or learn how to navigate the address book. Whereas the Panasonic KX-TGM450S has 3 big buttons on the base station that can be programmed to the person’s family and friends so they are always just a button touch away.
Best Mid-Range Aid Phone: Panasonic KX-TG6592T
- DECT 6.0 Plus Technology
- All-digital answering machine
- Intelligent Eco Mode.Frequency:1.9 GHz
- Tone Equalizer. Channels - 60 Channels. Base Dimensions H x W x D (in.): 2.5 x 5.8 x 5.2, Handset Dimensions H x W x D (in): 6.7 x 2.3 x 1.3, Charger Dimensions H x W x D (in.): 2.1 x 2.8 x 3.4
- Easy-to-see LCD with big buttons.Charge Time:7 hours. If you use a DSL/ADSL service, we recommend connecting a DSL/ADSL filter between the base unit and the telephone line jack
Selected as ‘Amazon’s Choice’ for being both extremely highly rated and exceptionally well-priced, the Panasonic KX-TG6592T features both an oversized keyboard and large ultra-clear displays on both the handset and base unit, which is perfect for those with less-than-perfect eyesight.
While missing a few functions of some of the more expensive phones, it features good amplification, a variety of tone settings, it’s easy to use, and is perfectly functional for most users.
Most impressively for us is that this phone has a particularly impressive ‘Tone Equalizer’ function that accommodates hearing loss by allowing you to control the bass, mid-range, or treble tones in a caller’s voice.
This amazingly increases clarity even in situations when increasing the volume doesn’t help and is a surprisingly useful function. In addition, it includes a high-quality speakerphone, an integrated, easy-to-use answering machine, and can accommodate multiple handsets.
Buying tip: Sometimes Amazon will heavily discount this unit – if this for less than $80, buy it!
Runner-Up Best Mid-Range Phone for the Hearing Impaired: Panasonic KX-TGM420W
- Hear and Be Heard, Loud and Clear: Boost the volume of the call (up to 40 dB); includes six voice Tone Settings and a loud base unit ringer (up to 100 dB)
- Understand Every Word, Every Time: Slow Talk button slows the speed of speech, both in real time and in voice messages, so you can clearly understand what is being said
- Large Backlit LCD and Large Backlit Buttons: Clearly see who's calling with a large, bright display screen of 1.8" (4.4 cm) that displays caller information; large backit buttons make dialing easy, even with low vision or in the dark
- Features Tailored to Voice Assistance: Speakerphone, Talking Caller ID, Noise Reduction, Talking Keypad and Phonebook, and Intercom
- Easy Call Block and More: 9 Speed Dials and 100-number call block; expandable to 6 handsets; includes accessories and power backup
The Panasonic KX-TGM420 is the little brother of the KX-TGM450 and comes in as our Runner-Up for best mid-range phone. Across the majority of features, it is much the same as the more expensive model and they also look largely identical.
However, the KX-TGM420 comes in at a slightly lower price, but is only amplified to 40db. This makes it suitable for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss. If this is you, or someone you are buying for then there’s no reason why you should pay more for the extra 10 db of amplification.
The only consideration to bear in mind is if your hearing loss deteriorates further then you may end up needing to upgrade to the KX-TGM450 in the future.
Best Budget Phone for the Hearing Impaired: Panasonic KX-TGE233B
- Talking Text Sender Alert
- Text Message Alert
- Locates Cell
- Long Range, Excellent Clarity, Enhanced Noise Reduction And Greater Security
- Amplified Volume With Dedicated Volume Key
If you don’t want to spend that much and don’t mind sacrificing slightly on the ease-of-use, accessibility, and some features of the more expensive phones, our highest-rated phone in the ‘Best Budget Phone’ category is the Panasonic KX-TGE233B.
This hugely popular phone offers a long-range handset, great clarity, and some impressive noise reduction functions all for a very reasonable cost. Like the more expensive Panasonics, it has oversized buttons and a large, crystal clear display for super-easy use.
Like high-spec phones, it also features caller ID, call blocking, and a reasonably loud, clear speakerphone (though the quality of speaker in the more expensive KX-TGM450S was somewhat better).
The significant number of features are easily navigable using the menus and on-screen shortcuts, making it a particularly easy phone to use. The documentation that comes with the phone is also easy to follow, and my 76-year old grandmother had no problems with the initial setup and use.
(It also comes with an optional Key Detector which you can add to your keyring so if you ever misplace them you can simply press a button on the handset which will activate the alarm on the key detector – up to 200 yards away! This might not be the main reason to buy this particular phone but we found it super useful!)
Buying tip: If you see this for less than $60, it’s a GREAT buy!
Runner-Up: Hamilton CapTel 840i
- People with hearing loss can easily connect with family, friends, colleagues and medical professionals again - without missing a word. A Hamilton@ CapTel@ captioned phone works just like a standard phone When it rings, you answer it. lf you need to make a call, you just dial - but with this phone, you see captions of what's being said in large, easy-to-read print on an integrated screen. Captioning service is provided at no-cost anywhere intheU.S.,24/7.
- Large buttons, easy-to-read backlit display for people with low vision, and an integrated answering machine captions your messages.
- Supports Caller lD and includes a built-in personal directory, allowing you to easily store and dial more than 95 names and phone numbers; Dial-By-Photo capable. Bluetooth@ and Wi-Fi compatible.
- Adjustable volume control (up to 40dB gain) ensures comfortable listening levels.
- REQUIREMENTS: 1-) Telephone Service - Can be analog, digital cable, DSL, VolP, FIOS. 2) High-Speed lnternet (Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi) 3) Standard electrical power.
We decided on something a bit different for the Hamilton CapTel 840i. It is a very clever phone, and works similarly to a regular phone, but also includes a large easy-to-view screen that converts speech to text in real-time.
If you can’t hear what someone says over the phone, simply read the captions, making it ideal for deaf or severely hearing-impaired people for phone calls.
While it requires an internet connection, the captioning service itself is completely free and there are no monthly fees or service agreements so your monthly phone bill won’t change. No other special equipment is required.
Captions are generated through voice recognition technology, provided by a live Communications Assistant, and the service is available nationwide 24/7. We found it easy to set up and use, and noted it also had several standard phone features for the hearing impaired, including good amplification, answering machine facility, and oversized buttons.
We found the captioning function accurate and a breeze to use – very impressive technology, and for a great price!
Other Telephones for hearing Impaired Options: Reviews
Geemarch Amplipower 60
This is a basic phone with single tone control and one volume control. It has a volume of 60 decibels and can connect through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
This handset phone has a detachable handset, and the handset can be placed in either the right or left ear. The volume control has a dial that is used to adjust the volume.
This phone has a base unit with a microphone that comes with an adapter for connecting to a computer or other device. It features a ringer tone that can be changed from a single ring to various tones.
Clarity JC35W
This is a perfect option for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. It comes with extensive volume control and two tone controls. The volume control is made of a round dial with an LED indicator that lights up when turned on. It also has an external volume control.
The tone controls are located on the top of the handset, and they can be adjusted to suit the user’s preference.
For those who want to listen to the phone without touching it, there is a vibrating tone feature for such users. The ringer tone is also a handy feature that can identify the caller’s number. The music tone function is also quite useful for those who like listening to music while on the phone.
Hamilton CapTel 2400i
For those looking for an amplified telephone with a lot of volume control options and tone control options, the Hamilton CapTel 2400i is the perfect option.
It has a total of seven-volume controls, including two-tone controls. It also has six ringer tones and a vibrating ring option. If you are looking for a model that will allow you to connect your telephone to computer systems, this phone is perfect.
You can also connect it to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi systems.
These features make this phone an excellent choice for those looking for a telephone that is easy to use and has a lot of options. The CapTel 2400i comes with a meager price tag. It is also very lightweight at only 1.5 pounds.
Clarity 54005.001
If you want an excellent, highly sensitive telephone, you should consider the Clarity 54005.001. This model is a trendy choice among those who have hearing problems. It has a very clear tone and can be used in situations that require you to speak loudly.
The volume control options are also excellent as it has single volume control and adjustable tone control. It features a red flashing light in the handset that can indicate when it is ringing.
Another outstanding feature of this model is its very long battery life. It can last up to 10 hours if used daily.
Things to Consider When Buying an Amplified Telephone
Volume and Tone Control Options
When buying an amplified telephone, it is essential to consider the available volume control options.
Some models have only a single volume control, while others have a more elaborate system such as dual volume controls. The tone control options also vary significantly between models.
Some models only have a single tone control, while others have multiple tone options, including vibrating, ringer, and music.
Captioned Telephone / Reading Assistance
A captioned telephone is a telephone that has a display that shows the names of the people being called.
When the phone is turned on, a small panel appears on display showing the person’s name being called.
This can be very helpful for those who have trouble reading lips or have other physical disabilities that prevent them from reading lips. This feature is only available on some models of telephones.
Incoming Call Alerts
These phones can beep when they receive a call. This is useful for people who cannot hear the phone ringing or even when the phone is not in use.
Speech-to-Text Functionality
Some phones now have a speech-to-text functionality that allows people with hearing impairments to communicate through the phone easily.
This is an excellent feature because it will enable people with hearing impairments to take advantage of the other features of their phones, such as voice dialing, text messaging, and visual voicemail.
When talking through the phone with speech to text functionality, the user can press the speakerphone button and start speaking into the phone. This can be done without having to look at the phone’s display. The speech-to-text feature will then read what is being said aloud.
This function is also great because it allows people with hearing impairments to take advantage of many other features of their phones, such as voice dialing, text messaging, and visual voicemail.
Some phones also have a touch screen where one can type out messages or conduct searches through various options using a finger or stylus.
Compatibility With Hearing Aids
Phones compatible with hearing aids can be a significant benefit to the user. Hearing aids help individuals who have hearing issues with hearing better.
However, some phones may not work well with hearing aids due to their design.
For example, some phones may not be able to amplify the sound signals properly, while others may still be able to boost the sound signals but at a reduced volume level.
Phone Number Storage
The space provided by the phone to store numbers is another important factor that needs to be considered. Most telephones can hold a maximum of 10 phone numbers, while some can store up to 20 numbers. New models are also available that can store up to 100 numbers.
Answering Machine Feature
This feature is helpful to those who have difficulty hearing or responding to phone calls.
It is a good idea to get an answering machine as it will allow the person to hear the recorded message and still answer the phone when it rings.
When the person answers the phone, it will automatically ring once again. Another good feature to have is recording more than one message.
Hands-Free Use
Mobile phones are convenient for everyone in the family. However, it can be an annoyance to hold the phone while talking.
This is why hands-free use has become popular in recent years. Hands-free phones are equipped with a microphone that helps save time and effort. There are also hands-free devices for the hearing impaired that help them hear better and have more control over their devices.
Cordless vs. Landline Phones For The Hard of Hearing
Landline phones for the hard of hearing
A landline phone is a telephone that uses the public telephone network. It connects to a local phone line and can be used anywhere globally.
Cordless phones for the hearing impaired
A cordless phone allows the user to connect to the phone system using radio waves instead of a wired connection.
Cordless Phone Pros
- Great option for those who use their phones often
- Does not require hands to be near the receiver
- Rechargeable batteries
Cordless Phone Cons
- Batteries have to be charged by outlet or USB port on a computer
- Sometimes incompatible with caller ID feature
Landline Phone Pros
- Reliable caller ID feature
Landline Phone Cons
- Most are corded and require being plugged into an outlet
- Cords and wires get tangled very easily
- Landline and cordless phones come in different colors and styles, as well as different sizes, so you should choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Key features of hard of hearing phones
dB Amplification
This specifies the loudness of the amplification in decibels.
- 40 dB is suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss whereas
- 50 dB is suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
- Both the clarity XLC 3.4 and the KX-TGM450 will be suitable for all types of hearing loss.
Amplified microphone
This is a really useful feature, included with all our reviewed phones, which amplifies the voice of the person speaking. So, if you have a weak voice, or speak quietly as well as have hearing loss, then the person on the other end of the phone will hear an amplified version of your voice so they won’t miss anything you say.
Amplified speakerphone
All 3 phones in our “best of” come with an amplified speakerphone. This means the person doesn’t need to have the phone up to their ear to hear the conversation. This is especially useful if the person using the phone is frail and finds it difficult to it up to their ear for the duration of the conversation.
Talking caller ID
Designed with accessibility in mind, this feature will speak the caller ID over the speakerphone, alerting you to who is calling without needing to look at the display. If the number is in the phone book it will speak their name.
Talking keypad
All 3 phones come with large backlight buttons, making it easy for people with sight problems to see what buttons they are pressing. But to aid in dialing, the phone will also talk back the numbers as they are dialed.
Loud ringer
All 3 phones will ring loudly. Alerting you to the fact that the phone is ringing even if you are in another room.
Flashing ring
All 3 phones will also light up and flash when the phone is ringing – further alerting you to an incoming call.
Hearing aid compatible
If you’re using hearing aids then they are also compatible with all 3 of our recommended phones. This means you don’t need to constantly take out your hearing aid when answering calls.
Expand with other handsets
If you want to have phones in different locations around your house then you will need to be able to buy add-on phones to complement your main phone. All 3 phones can be expanded with additional handsets.
Number of tone settings
The tone-setting adjusts different frequencies in the amplification. The more tone settings you have, the greater your ability to customize the amplification to fit your type of hearing loss.
Answering machine
An answering machine is a useful feature, especially if you want your loved ones to be able to leave messages if you are not there. Unfortunately, the Clarity XLC 3.4 does not come with an answering machine so you will need to buy a separate kit in order to set this up. Both Panasonic phones come with a built-in answering machine facility with up to 17 minutes of recording space.
Slow talk
This feature is only available on the Panasonic phones. It is activated by pushing a button on the handset. Once pressed, the phone will automatically slow the call down so you can clearly hear what the person on the other end of the phone is saying.
Speed dial
Being able to speed dial is a really useful feature for seniors who want to easily reach their family or other commonly called people. Without this feature, you will have to manually type this number in, or in the case of the Clarity XLC 3.4, scroll through the phone book to find the number you want to call. With the Panasonic phones, you have the ability to program 3-speed dial numbers which can be dialed by pressing one of the 3 buttons on the base station.
Overall Best Telephone for the Hearing Impaired
Overall, after carefully considering features, price, ease-of-use, and effectiveness, we have decided that the Panasonic KX-TGM450S is the overall best phone for the hearing impaired in 2022 (see above for our review).
It has all the technical specifications needed to make this a great phone for anyone with hard of hearing. The 50 dB amplification and 6 tone settings means it’s suited for all ranges of hearing loss, from mild to severe. Not only that, the design of the phone makes it incredibly easy to use even for novices.
The voicemail function comes in handy and the slow talk functionality makes this phone really stand out. While it is a bit more expensive than some of the other phones, it has a huge number of very useful functions that justify paying a bit more. We highly recommend this phone.
- Hear and be heard, loud and clear with volume boost control for Amplified Caller voice volume up to 50 db., Plus six-level voice Tone settings and a loud base unit ringer
- Understand every word, every time more clearly with slow talk to slow the speed of speech in Real time and when checking voice messages
- Big white Backlit LCD, enlarged memory dial buttons Plus bright red LED visual ringer on base unit and Handset enhance visibility and Calling convenience. Rechargeable Battery Ni-MH
- Hear calls from noisy places with noise Reduction to suppress background noise interference for clearer, more comfortable conversation
- Includes power backup, speakerphone, talking Caller ID, talking keypad and phonebook, 9 speed dials, 250-number call block, intercom, accessories, and expandable to 6 handsets. LCD Display 1.8 inch (4.4 cm)
Runner-Up Best Phone for the Hearing Impaired
Our runner-up for best phone for the hearing impaired is the Panasonic KX-TG6592T (see above for our review).
This is an extremely capable phone at an amazingly good price, that in all honesty has 80%+ of the functions and capabilities of the more expensive KX-TGM450S. If you want a great phone but at a more affordable price, we recommend this highly.
- DECT 6.0 Plus Technology
- All-digital answering machine
- Intelligent Eco Mode.Frequency:1.9 GHz
- Tone Equalizer. Channels - 60 Channels. Base Dimensions H x W x D (in.): 2.5 x 5.8 x 5.2, Handset Dimensions H x W x D (in): 6.7 x 2.3 x 1.3, Charger Dimensions H x W x D (in.): 2.1 x 2.8 x 3.4
- Easy-to-see LCD with big buttons.Charge Time:7 hours. If you use a DSL/ADSL service, we recommend connecting a DSL/ADSL filter between the base unit and the telephone line jack
FAQs
Last update on 2022-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API