Best Phones for Hard of Hearing

The best phones for the hard of hearing have specific technology to help those with hearing difficulties hear more clearly. Ranging from amplified sound and text-to-speech capabilities to hearing aid compatibility and visual indicators for calls and notifications, these features can accommodate varying levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound.

Rising above the rest, our favourite picks are the Poly VVX 301 and Yealink SIP. They offer features like crystal clear calls and acoustic echo cancellation technology to help those hard of hearing make calls, via a VoIP-enabled softphone or otherwise. These models are closely followed by the VP-T49G, Doro Magna 4000, Panasonic KX-TGE233B and Amplicom Big Tel 1200, all of which offer unique features depending on your hearing.

We’ve also included a couple of mobile phone options for the hard of hearing that, while less suitable for business and VoIP uses, could be an option for on-the-go business communication needs. Read on for more information on what you should consider, plus a full breakdown of our selection for budgets between £30 and £300.

Best Amplified Phones for the Hard of Hearing: Comparison

Communication is a fundamental part of human connection, but for those with hearing loss, it can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve identified the best phones designed specifically for hard of hearing, with features like amplified sound, adjustable tone control, and compatibility with hearing aids.

So why hesitate? Check out our selection of phones for hard of hearing and choose the one that best fits your needs. Or start using our quote-finding tool to get more advice and find the best prices.

1. Poly VVX 301: Best Basic HD VoIP Phone Amplified for Mild Hearing Loss

2. Yealink VP59: Best HD VoIP Phone Amplified for Mild Hearing Loss With a Screen

3. Doro Magna 4000: Best for Moderate Hearing Loss

4. Panasonic KX-TGE233B: Best for Partial Hearing Loss

5. Amplicom Big Tel 1200: Best for Severe Hearing Loss

Best Mobile Phones for Hard of Hearing

While desk phones are likely to be your primary communication tool in the workplace, mobile phones are another option for the hard of hearing.

Here’s a quick run-down of the two top options you can select should you prefer a fully mobile solution – but be warned, you’ll need a VoIP mobile application or to manually set up your VoIP with the mobile hardware to use your cloud phone, which can be more troublesome depending on your provider.

1. Doro 8200: Best Mobile Smartphone for Hard of Hearing

Swedish-based manufacturer Doro has become a leading provider of specialist telecommunication solutions for the hard of hearing across the world.

Its Doro 8200 smartphone is an excellent choice for a more modern solution than a desk phone and retails for around £270.

What does it offer?

Should you have a VoIP software package that allows the use of its accompanying smartphone application, then the Doro 8200 is all set to provide ease of use for the hard of hearing.

It has huge icons and alerts, which should make it easy to spot an incoming call should you not be able to hear them. When on calls, its ClearSound amplifies voices in noisy environments to provide the most clarity to your conversations as possible. And the Doro 8200 is compatible with hearing aids, too.

And you’ll have all the smart tools you may desire, including Google Assistant to help with your workflow.

2. Doro 6880: Best Mobile Flip Phone for Hard of Hearing

Another Doro mobile phone, the Doro 6880, is a solid choice for the hard of hearing if you want a less ‘smart’ solution.

What does it offer?

On the phone’s outside, you’ll see a caller’s name and number and be able to answer the call by flipping it open. Meanwhile, widely separated, high-contrast keys should enable you to input numbers and text customers easily when typing. Plus, its HD voice enables clearer conversation for both you and whoever you are calling.

How To Choose Phones for Hard of Hearing

When choosing a phone for someone who is hard of hearing, the main goal will always be to improve the individual’s ability to communicate. This will generally need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis since different people will have different severities of hearing loss, or other impairments.

But even so, there are several factors you should consider to ensure the device meets their specific needs. We recommend considering models that feature the following:

• Enhanced volume and clarity: Having louder volume level possibilities across a highly adjustable scale, with tone control included, can be a major benefit. This can allow those who need enhanced volume or clarity to boost the frequencies they struggle with most, such as bass or treble.
• Hearing aid compatibility: The Federal Communications Commission (FFC) rates phones by how much interference they are likely to cause to hearing aids between levels 1 (poor) and 4 (excellent). You’ll see this rating preceded by a letter, defining the score in terms of radio-frequency (RF) emissions, with “M” meaning ‘microphone’ rating and “T” (t-coil) meaning telecoil coupling rating. Essentially, the higher the rating, the better – although not all devices will have this information publicly listed.
• Visual or vibrating alerts: Some phones can go beyond audio-related alerts by providing visual or vibrational cues for incoming calls and messages. This could be anything from flashing lights to distinct vibrating patterns.
• Audio-to-text capabilities: While rarer, some phones support real-time speech-to-text so that users can read what is being said rather than rely on their hearing.
• Easy-to-use interface: This could be large buttons, a clear display, or intuitive navigation that avoids confusion and ensures users straightforward use of a desk phone.