There are things you can do to make your landline phone (either corded or cordless) easier to use at home or at work.
These include:
- adapting existing features on your landline phone
- using your landline phone with your hearing aid if you have one, so that you can hear calls better
- using an landline phone designed specifically for people with hearing loss
- using other helpful devices to make calls clearer.
It’s important to listen to your phone at a safe volume. Find out more about protecting your hearing.
Landline phones going digital
A new digital system is replacing the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). It’s important that you are aware of how these changes will affect you and the action you need to take.
If you are deaf, have hearing loss, or tinnitus, let your provider know so that you can get extra support to make the switchover easier for you.
Find out more about the switchover.
Adapting your existing landline phone
There are ways to adapt your landline phone to help you hear better when it rings or when you are having a conversation. You may be able to:
- increase the volume on the ringer and handset to make it louder
- make the phone ring louder by placing it on a hard surface
- change the melody or ringtone on the phone to one which may be easier to hear.
Using your landline phone with your hearing aids
Most landline phones are hearing aid compatible. This means you can hear the call more clearly through your hearing aid on the hearing loop setting.
You need to make sure that you:
- Activate the hearing loop setting on your hearing aid. Your audiologist may need to do this for you. Find out more about how to use your hearing aids here.
- Place the phone close to your hearing aid to hear the caller.
Landline phones designed for hearing loss
An amplified telephone is a landline phone designed specifically for people with hearing loss.
They have features which include:
- hearing aid compatibility
- a separate control to boost the volume through the handset and an extra loud ringer
- a handset tone control, which allows you to change speech tones and make people’s voices sound clearer
- other features to make the phone easier to use, such as large dial buttons.
An amplified telephone can cost between £30 for a simple model to £80 if extra features are available.
Devices to make landline calls clearer
There are also assistive devices available that can help you better hear your landline phone:
Extension bells or ringer
You can add an extension bell or ringer to your landline to make it louder. They may come with a range of features including volume control and different ringtones.
Visual call indicator
This is a device you can add to your landline phone which flashes when the phone rings to alert you. Most also have a loud ringer.
Telephone amplifier
If you are struggling to hear calls, a telephone amplifier connects to your phone to make the caller’s voice louder.
Prices for these assistive devices range from £10 to £60 for more advanced models.
You may be able to get help paying for technology from:
- your local council’s sensory services team
- your workplace, if you need technology to help you to work
- the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) scheme, if you are in post-18 education.
Find out more about how to get help paying for technology.
Where you can buy landline phones and related devices
Our partner, Connevans, is a leading supplier of specialist products and assistive technology.
They can help you find out about the different telephones and accessories that you might benefit from.
When you shop online at our dedicated website with Connevans, 10% of each purchase is donated to us.
Contact us
If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID.
We’re open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
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