Hearing impaired phones come in a variety of user options -- corded, cordless and cellular -- and can accommodate a range of degrees of hearing loss. Phones for the hard of hearing can even be modified with in-line amplifiers added to a regular phone.
Consider the following when buying phones for hearing impaired people:
- Determine the degree of hearing loss you need to accommodate.
- Decide if you want a corded or cordless phone.
- Consider shopping for accessories for existing phones for the hearing impaired rather than replacing them with new phones.
Know what level of hearing phones will need to accommodate
Phones for hearing impaired people are able to accommodate several levels of hearing loss, from mild to severe. Also note that people with severe hearing loss may have trouble hearing phones ring even when amplified and several options are available to help the hearing impaired in this area.
Decide between corded and cordless hearing impaired phones
Telephones for the hearing impaired are available as amplified cordless phones, amplified corded phones or hearing aid compatible cellular phones. Most cordless and corded hearing impaired phones offer not only amplification, but also clarification to allow users to more easily distinguish low and high pitches and cut down on background noise.
Check out accessories for phones for the hearing impaired
Phones for the hearing impaired often can be modified, rather than replaced by amplified phones. In-line telephone amplifiers can turn regular phones into hearing impaired telephones instantly. Just add an amplifier to existing phone lines between the phone base and the phone jack. Or, replace a regular telephone handset with an amplified handset to aid a hearing impaired person.
- Talk to the potential user of hearing impaired phones before you buy to know what individual needs you might need to meet. Many people with hearing impairments prefer to use a hearing aid and hearing aid compatible phones rather than amplified phones, while many people prefer amplified and modified phones. Preferences about hearing impairment accommodations are highly personal, so respect hearing impaired people and offer as many options among telephones for hearing impaired people as you can.
