Amplified Phone Reviews & Buying Guide 2018

Amplified Phones are specially designed for people who are hard of hearing to enhance their communication. There are two forms of phone amplification: extra loud speech volume and extra loud ringtone. Usually popular with the elderly, these phones come with different features for different users, most people just reach out and buy the nearest and most affordable amplified phone they come across. But, are there other factors to consider? Here is a quick guide to guide while looking for the best bargain. Corded or non-corded
The first and most basic question one needs before heading out to the shops is whether they want a cordless or a corded phone. Depending on the mobility and/or schedule, the choice between a mobile and a desk phone depends on the preference of the user. The degree of hearing loss
Amplified phones are classified according to their loudness. Before raiding the shelves, one has to find out the hearing loss one suffers from in decibel (dB), for this, one needs the help of an oncologist. Some of the commonest amplified phones are available in a wide range: 15-25 dB for mild hearing loss, 30-50 dB ideal for moderate hearing loss and for severe hearing loss, it is advisable to buy within 50-55db range. Type of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss comes in two categories, high frequency, and low frequency. Before buying a phone, one has to consider which of the two one has trouble hearing. Currently, there are no amplified phones for people with trouble hearing low frequency, but most of the amplified phones available come with tone control to help adjust to the right frequency. Type of Amplification Amplified phones come with voice amplification for either incoming or outgoing sounds. As a default, most of these phones amplify incoming calls since as the name suggests, the user is most likely hard of hearing. These factors coupled with personal preferences should be the priority while shopping for an amplified phone. Circumstances allowing, it is always better to pay a little extra for a premium product for often, cheap is expensive. Special Features
Other than being extra loud, amplified phones also come with other accessibility features to help people with trouble hearing. A common feature with these phones are equipped with large buttons and display, however, there are other features available but some of these extras also mean one needs to fork out extra money. But sometimes these options may be necessary. Relay Service Some amplified phones carry a voice carry-over program that translates the conversation into text on the screen, a relay service places the voice calls. The availability of captioned amplified phones enhances the conversation further by letting you listen to your caller while reading the text on the screen. Calls can be dialed directly without going through a relay service. Pre-programmed Phones
For those who have trouble with eyesight, there are Braille amplified phones with some even going further by reading out numbers as you dial and text as you type. Recent varieties of amplified phones come with photo capabilities, this allows personal photos to be added to the numbers one comes most regularly. Another plus for an amplified phone is the presence of a visual ringer and/or audio and visual alerts for improper termination. For shared phones, devices that can be pre-programmable to memorize volume and tone settings for different users. Points To Remember
The elderly most commonly use amplified phones, thus there are points to remember before getting the quickest option available. For a mobile set, the first rule to remember is to keep it simple, do not get a complicated phone, the fewer the buttons the better. Most amplified phones come with a visually different button for emergency calls programmed to call emergency services or the closest family member. Compatibility With Hearing Aids. For people with hearing aids, there is the risk of mild to heavy feedback from some varieties of phones out there. It is important to check that that phone you are buying does not interfere with hearing aids and vice versa. Still on hearing aids a technology, telecoil compatibility, allows some varieties of amplified phones to counteract this issue by automatically adjusting volumes to sync with the hearing aid. Amplification Capability
More amplified phones are adding an audio caller ID feature, which calls out the person calling. This feature also says out the number or function as buttons are pressed. With technology evolving quickly, smart-phones now come with amplification capabilities but do not be beguiled, these may come with a busload of complications. Evolution of technology
The advancement in technology means that what is cutting edge today may become obsolete in a short time. Hearing aids now come with Bluetooth capabilities and with this one can connect to their phone for easier operations. Amplified smart-phones also offer voice control services, where voice activation is used instead of button or touch. Personal Preferences
With all factors considered, the most important factor to take into consideration is the person using the phone. Though the features on amplified phones may be useful, to some extent some of these same features sometimes are an embarrassment to the elderly when they are in public. Personal preferences should be the most vital point to remember. Natural Considerations
There are more factors that come into play when you are choosing an amplified phone, but sometimes the basics get forgotten in the excitement. The ability of the user, with the elderly some factors come into effect: dementia, arthritis, memory loss and Alzheimer’s have an effect on the person’s ability to operate the phone. Some of the available models of amplified phones also feature premium options such as an improved grip for those with arthritis. All-In-One Service Along with the above features, some amplified phones come with the program to assist in daily schedules such as syncing medicine time, keeping track of health and fitness through monitoring of body functions including; heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. All these are available without complicated programs or switches to avoid mistakes and confusion. Aesthetics And Function
In the architectural field, they say that form follows function. That is, the design of the house will be dictated by the purpose of the house. The same tenet applies to amplified phones when buying a device, the idea is not to buy it as an ornament, there has to be a reason behind the purchase. Considering that, the primary function is to keep in touch with the rest of the world, the most basic features that an amplified phone can have is boosted volumes for calls and ringing but also big easy to use buttons and the visual cues included. But, sometimes we need a phone to do a little more, these extra functions mean that a phone has to have extra features that may not be available on all devices. It may be petty to some and sheer vanity to others but to most people, aesthetics play a huge role in the decision to buy a phone and this does not only apply to amplified phones. The end does not always justify the end, do not buy an ugly phone just because it has the specifications you desire, window shop and maybe a phone you like will have the satisfy your checklist of features. Window Shopping
Contrary to common assumptions, window-shopping is not only good to get the best price. It is also helpful in finding bargains that come in form of packages that offer more value for money. Some of the deals offered with amplified phones include accessories such as; 12/24 month guarantees, shipping, amplified answering machines and after sale services such as subsidized repairs and free set up. Again remember that amplified phones are especially common among the senior citizens and that means that accidents are likely to occur. From being dropped to being forgotten in obscure places, these devices need to be hardy and able to withstand a little banging around. As you head out to your nearest retailer, consider that senior citizens are prone to bouts of forgetfulness, therefore, be careful to look for a phone that lasts on battery power to avoid it running out of juice at the wrong time.