Amplified Phone

An amplified phone can allow seniors with hearing issues to use the phone with more confidence. Many seniors who are hard of hearing often stop using the phone and have to rely on others to make and answer it. Don't let that happen to your aging parents.

What does an amplified phone do?

They increase the sound of speaker so that seniors who are hard of hearing that easily use the phone. The amount of amplification can be adjusted to the seniors desired level.

What are they made out of?

They are made of metal, plastic and rubber.

Who are they designed for?

They are designed for seniors with hearing issues that makes it difficult to use. They have powerful speakers that can amplify the caller's voice so the user can hear them easily. Hearing aids often squeak when pressed up to the telephone receiver. They can be used without hearing aides.

What I need to know before purchasing?

Level of amplification - Make sure it can amplify the caller's voice enough for the user. The only way to know for sure is to try it out.

Usability - Make sure it is simple and user friendly. Some telephones are complex with many features. This can be confusing for some seniors and is simply too much to learn. As the saying goes... keep it simple! Many seniors just want larger numbers and amplified sound.

How much do they cost?

They can range from $50 to $300, depending on the style.

What else do I need to make life safer and easier for my aging parent with hearing problems?

Smoke detectors - Make sure your aging parent can hear the smoke alarm. If they cannot, there are smoke detectors that make sound and flash lights.

Door bells - Make sure they can hear the door bell. If they cannot, there are door bells that make both sound and flash lights.

Televisions and radios - Instead of turning the TV or radio up so everyone has to listen to it at that level, some seniors prefer to use headphones that can amplify the sound.

Theatre, church, movies - There are devices that the user can wear that amplifies the sound in theatres, churches, etc. Buy the highest quality you can afford as many of the lower quality ones do not filter the sound and can be frustrating to use in large rooms as it amplifies background noises as well.