Whether you consider yourself a techie or prefer keeping things simple, a mobile phone has gone from a fancy luxury to a non-negotiable addition to the modern pocket.
The devices keep us entertained during the commute, informed of the latest headlines, and of course, in touch with friends and family, near and far. While many phone users favour sending a quick text over WhatsApp, some things need to be done over the phone: checking in on elderly relatives, sorting out bills and arranging exciting but lengthy travel plans, for instance.
But if you have sub-par hearing, understanding what’s being said at the other end of the line can be challenging. Whether you’re hard of hearing or taking calls in loud environments like music venues, in construction or at the airport, you’re often having to make do with the gist instead of getting the finer, often crucial, details.
Screaming ‘HELLO’ into the mouthpiece will evoke levels of ire not seen since Dom Joly subjected the world to Trigger Happy TV. Yet there’s no need to feel like a social pariah or parody when picking up a call.
Some handsets are designed to amplify sounds or have a greater volume range to allow you to decipher the conversation. Others are compatible with hearing aids, making speech crystal clear.
We’ve rounded up the best phones for those who are hard of hearing to help make communication easier. From mobile phones to home handsets, read more on our selection below.
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Doro 8100
The Doro 8100 is an Android smartphone aimed at elderly users who want something simple yet modern.
It’s compatible with hearing aids and sports HD Voice technology for clearer phone calls. Then there’s a triple rear camera system, a 5-megapixel front camera, a 6-inch touchscreen display, access to the Google Play Store, Google Assistant, facial recognition, water resistance and a sleek design, giving it all the hallmarks of a capable smartphone.
Additionally, the Doro 8100 packs an assistance button and companion app so that users can quickly get help in the event of an emergency. And if users run into any difficulties, they can easily get a loved one to show them around the device remotely via the TeamViewer app.
Buy now £154.50, Amazon
Doro 6880
The Doro 6880 is a classic clamshell phone for elderly users. It comes with a decently sized 2.8-inch display, a modest 2-megapixel camera and flash, video recording, HD Voice technology for crystal clear phone calls, Bluetooth, a 1000mAh battery that provides up to 7 hours of talk time and an emergency assistance button. For users who struggle with their vision, there are talking keys that play back the numbers being typed.
Another neat feature is a blacklist for blocking nuisance calls and text members from particular phone numbers. The handset also comes with a handy charging cradle, and thanks to a soft touch material on the back of the phone, it feels great to hold.
Buy now £92.50, Amazon
Sony Xperia 1 V Smartphone, Android, 12GB RAM, 6.5", 5G, SIM Free, 256GB, Black
Just want to be able to enjoy your podcasts in peace? Consider going for a smartphone with superior audio quality - Sony offers some of the best around. Its Experia 1 V combines stereo sound with Dolby Atmos to create an immersive experience, whether you're plugged into earbuds or you're using the speaker function on a call.
Other features include a suite of three high-spec cameras and a clear 6.5-inch display that shows pin-sharp 4K content.
Buy now £1299.00, John Lewis
Tokvia T102 Mobile Phone
With a long battery life (250+ hours on standby), large numbers and side-operated volume to control the sound while you speak, this is a worthy low-cost option for those who want a loud, basic phone that's not going to break the bank. The sound is loud and clear even on speaker mode and ringtone levels are decent too.
Buy now £26.99, Amazon
VOCA Big Button Flip Phone
Not fussed about looks? For a phone that does its job, Voca is a great option. Its compact flip phone is 4G compatible and comes with large numbers that light up and an easy-to-read screen. Volume can be controlled on the side of the device to give it a boost.
Buy now £57.99, Amazon
Motorola ThinkPhone 256GB 5G SIM Free Smartphone
All the modern trappings of a smartphone - touch screen, great design, fast refresh rate - paired with a high volume level make this a great option for our list. It's high on calls as well as while listening to music, the radio and podcasts. It has a decent battery life too, which means you won’t have to constantly keep charging it.
Buy now £605.00, Amazon
Panasonic KX-TGE822EB Bigger Button Digital Cordless Telephone
Not a mobile, but a useful swap for landline numbers, Panasonic's cordless device has been made to help hearing aid-wearers take calls.
It uses visual cues like illuminating when there's an incoming call and will announce saved contacts too. Features like a large 1.8-inch screen make reading easy and it's 6dB (decibels, the metric by which sound is measured) louder than standard Panasonic DECT phones, making it easier to hear. Volume controls set on the side of the handset make it easier to adjust the range.
As mentioned, this phone is compatible with hearing aids, meeting TIA-1083 compliance standards.
Buy now £64.99, John Lewis
Geemarc CL100
There's little chance of a phone call going unanswered when you're at home; Geemarc's CL100 home phone has a loud 80dB ringer and a visual indicator to alert you. The device is hearing aid compatible (simply switch your device to the 'T' setting) and can go up to 30dB when you're on the call, amplifying the sound to an understandable level. It's also helpful for visually impaired people with extra large keys and one-touch to dial contacts in case of an emergency.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
