An amplified cordless phone is a telephone designed to amplify sound for those who may be hard of hearing on a phone but feel they do not need a full-time hearing aid. The first priority of the amplified cordless phone is simply to increase the sound capacity. After that is accomplished, the next task is to make sure the sound is as clear as possible.
An amplified cordless phone works by taking the energy used for sound creation and making it just a little stronger, much the way a speaker system works for public addresses. In fact, there is very little difference between an amplified telephone and a speakerphone. Both work on the same principal of increasing the decibel level.
While all phones usually have a certain amount of volume control, an amplified cordless phone will usually take this to another level. Some phones will increase the volume by as much as 30 to 50 decibels. Normally, a phone can only make a difference of a few decibels.
There may be a number of reasons why a person would choose an amplified cordless phone over a hearing aid. Some people find their hearing loss is most noticeable only when they are using a phone. This could be because of the electronic changes made to a voice in phone conversations or simply because the pitch range on a telephone is slightly different. In some cases, it may simply be a bad connection into the home that was never fixed properly. Also, some are self-conscious about their need for hearing aids and feel an amplified cordless phone may help them avoid one.
It is important to check out an amplified cordless phone as soon after purchasing it as possible. Most good amplified phones cost more than $100 US Dollars (USD) In some cases, the user may find the phone boosts the sound levels, but also distorts that sound to a point where there is no benefit. If hearing in phone conversations is not improved, there are many models that can be chosen from. It may simply be a matter of trial and error.
Amplified cordless phones may have other features that are helpful to those who are hard of hearing as well. These may include extra loud ringers or ringers with a visual aid, such as a light, so that incoming calls are noticed. This helps ensure that, even if there are many other auditory distractions, missed calls are less likely.