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How to Choose the Right Phone for Hearing Loss: A Helpful 6-Step Guide

Amalee

Jun 10, 2025 • 3 min read

For many people with hearing loss, using the phone can be a challenge, but the right phone can make all the difference. Whether you need extra volume, clearer speech, or hearing aid compatibility, there are many phones out there designed specifically with accessibility in mind.

In this six-question guide, we'll help you to choose the best phone for your hearing needs and lifestyle.

Question 1: Do you wear hearing aids?

If you use hearing aids or a cochlear implant with a 'T' (telecoil) or loop setting, look for a hearing aid compatible phone. These devices transmit sound directly into your aids, helping to reduce background noise and feedback while improving speech clarity.

✅ Look for: Phones marked as “hearing aid compatible” or with built-in inductive couplers.

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Tip: Not sure if your hearing aid has a 'T' or loop setting? Check with your audiologist.

Lady having a conversation on a corded telephone

Question 2: Do you need extra volume?

Amplified phones are designed to make conversations louder and clearer without distortion. Some phone models offer up to 60dB amplification, perfect for users with moderate to severe hearing loss.

Many phones also include tone control, which lets you tweak high or low frequencies depending on what you find the most difficult to hear.

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Tip: Consider phones with handsfree speakerphone modes if you struggle with handsets or want to multitask - just remember your call won't be private!

Question 3: Do you rely on lip reading?

If you often lipread to follow speech in a conversation, using a phone might still be difficult even with amplification. In this case, a text-based service like Relay UK or using SMS, email or other messaging apps may be a better fit.

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Tip: For video calls, consider using apps that allow face-to-face conversations, especially if you communicate with someone who understands your needs.

Corded phone with large buttons, a cup of tea and a diffuser on a side table

Question 4: Do you need large buttons or an easy-to-use design?

Phones designed with dexterity or vision impairments in mind can also benefit people with hearing loss by making the overall user experience simpler.

✅ Look for:

Large, high-contrast buttons
Backlit displays
Simple, clearly labelled controls

If this isn't a concern for you, there are many amplified phone options with a much more conventional appearance.

Lady holding the cord of a corded telephone

Question 5: Would you prefer a corded or cordless phone?

The choice between corded and cordless comes down to a mix of preference and functionality:

Corded phones often offer stronger amplification and more reliable compatibility with hearing aids
Cordless phones are more convenient to carry around the home while staying connected
Combo sets (available at Connevans) offer the best of both worlds, with a based corded unit and cordless extensions

Question 6: What additional features do you need?

Today's accessible phones offer much more than sound.

Optional features to consider include:

Flashing lights to alert you to incoming calls
Built-in answering machines
Large, high-contrast screens
Visual caller ID

You can tailor your phone choice to your specific needs.

Bonus: But what about mobile phones for hearing loss?

If you're often on the move, a simple mobile phone for hearing loss could be the right option. There's a decent range of mobile phones available on the market that are amplified, hearing aid compatible and are really easy to use.

Explore our mobile range for louder, clearer conversations on the go.

Start your search today

Whether you're shopping for yourself or helping a loved one, our range of telephones has something for everyone. Use our product filters and comparison charts on the Connevans website to help find the perfect phone for your hearing needs.

👉 Browse our full range of amplified and hearing aid compatible phones here.