What To Look For In Phones For Hearing Impaired

New technology has provided a wide range of options in telephones for hearing impaired people, but making a choice can be confusing. Here are some things to take into consideration.

Start With The Level Of Hearing Impairment
To get the best results, it’s important to select the device that’s best suited to the user’s level of hearing impairment. If the person who will be using the phone uses a hearing aid or has consulted a hearing professional, you probably know what level of hearing loss you’re dealing with. But if you’re not ready for that step yet, levels of hearing loss can be broadly categorized as follows:

- Mild hearing loss means the person has difficulty hearing soft sounds and may also experience problems with speech clarity, particularly on the phone. People with mild hearing loss may be well served by phone line amplifiers or amplified handsets, which can increase volume from 30 – 40 decibels. Special amplified phones for hearing impaired also work very well for those with mild hearing loss.

-Moderate hearing loss generally means the person has difficulty hearing both soft and moderately loud sounds and has considerable problems with speech clarity, particularly if there is background noise. People with moderate hearing loss do best with amplified phones for hearing impaired, which offer many options that do more than simple increase volume.

Telephones like the Clarity C4205 2.4GHz Cordless Phone with 50-dB Amplification and Extra Loud Ringer (White) and the Clarity 5.8 GHz Professional Amplified Cordless Phone with DCP and Digital Answering Machine (C4230) use the same digital sound process technology used in hearing aids to eliminate static and background noise, which greatly enhances voice and speech clarity.

Amplified telephones will not serve those who suffer from severe or profound hearing loss.

Frequency-related hearing difficulties
Many people with mild to moderate hearing impairment find it particularly difficult to hear high-frequency sounds. In that case, look for phones like the Walker W1000 Clarity High-Frequency Enhancing Telephone, which are specially designed to enhance high frequency sounds.

Look For Lifestyle Options
Amplified phones for hearing impaired are available in both corded and cordless styles, and many offer options such as extra-loud ringers and oversize buttons that are easy to see and use. Some amplified phones such as the Clarity 5.8 GHz Professional Amplified Cordless Phone with DCP and Digital Answering Machine (C4230) include speaker phone capability and a digital answering machine.