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January 13, 2022
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View PackagesHearing challenges become more common as we age. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says one in three people aged 65 to 74 has hearing loss, while nearly half of seniors aged 75 or over have hearing problems. Hearing loss can make everyday tasks difficult — including using a cellphone. Holding a conversation — or even hearing phone alerts — can be challenging for people with hearing loss.
In this rundown, we look at the top cell phones for hearing-impaired seniors.
Pro Tip: A high-quality cell phone is nothing without an equally effective network. To learn about our favorites, check out our rundown of the best senior cell phone plans.
The first thing to check for is hearing aid compatibility. Using a phone that isn’t hearing aid compatible can cause problems such as feedback, static, and buzzing when you try to make a call — all of which make using the phone even more difficult. Hearing aid compatibility is measured in M and T ratings. Without delving too deep into the technical part, here’s what you need to know: An M or T rating of three or four is a good indicator that a phone is hearing aid compatible.
Even if you don’t wear hearing aids yet, we recommend checking for hearing aid compatibility so you know the phone will work even if hearing aids later become necessary. Another feature to look for is a good speaker. Whether you use a hearing aid or not, a decent loudspeaker can make a big difference in how easy it is to hear a call.
Price: $96 when purchased through T-Mobile
Hearing aid compatibility: M4/T4
Rated M4/T4, the Alcatel Go Flip 4 worked exceptionally well in our tests of hearing aid compatibility. Each of our test calls came through loud and clear, even while using hearing aids. The speakerphone feature made calls loud and audible with minimal sound distortion.
The Go Flip 4 also has a long-lasting battery, Bluetooth capabilities, and large, tactile buttons. The 2-megapixel camera leaves something to be desired, but its basic functions as a flip phone work superbly. You’ll also have access to the KaiOS app store, where you can download useful apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and email clients, giving this simple phone some smart features.
At less than $100 when purchased through T-Mobile, this phone is definitely on the affordable end of the spectrum. When paired with one of T-Mobile’s plans for seniors, you’ll get discounted rates on unlimited talk, text, and data.
Price: $99.99 when purchased through Lively
Hearing aid compatibility: M4/T4
Lively is widely known for its popular phones for seniors, and its newest device, the Jitterbug Flip2, is an ideal option for people with hearing impairment. With its M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility, this device worked exceptionally well in our trial runs. Each of our test calls came in clearly with no interfering noise.
The Jitterbug Flip2 separates itself from other flip phones with its extra features. In addition to its built-in magnifier, flashlight, and dual cameras (one for photos and one for selfies), the Flip2 also offers Google Assistant. With this feature, we were able to make calls, send messages, and even browse the web using only our voice.
This phone can double as a medical alert system if you subscribe to one of Lively’s health and safety packages. By opting in to this service, you can use the phone’s dedicated emergency response button, which provides 24/7 access to Lively’s monitoring center, which can contact first responders during an emergency.
To learn more about this phone, check out our full Jitterbug Flip2 review, in addition to our Jitterbug phone reviews.
Pro Tip: If you want a full-fledged medical alert, take a look at our guide to this year’s best medical alert systems.
Price: $149.99 when purchased through Lively
Hearing aid compatibility: M4/T4
In addition to its flip phone, Lively also offers the Jitterbug Smart3, a smartphone for seniors. The device, which has all the features of an Android phone, provides a simplified, list-based menu for intuitive navigation. With its M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility, it performed exceptionally well in our tests.
What really separates this phone is its simplicity. Each of its features is easy to access, and a majority can be navigated using only your voice. The phone’s Google Assistant feature supports making calls, typing, and browsing the internet using your voice. It also provides access to the Google Play store, where you can download helpful apps for seniors.
Similar to the Jitterbug Flip, the Smart3 can also be paired with medical alert features for an additional cost. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better smartphone for seniors that is fully compatible with hearing aids.
To learn more about this phone, read our updated Jitterbug Smart3 review and guide to Jitterbug phones for seniors.
Price: $399 when purchased through Mint Mobile
Hearing aid compatibility: M3/T4
Many people think of iPhones as beyond the grasp of older adults, but we wholeheartedly disagree. The iPhone SE has a vast array of features, but its intuitive design is easy to pick up and use. Its hearing aid compatibility and access to hearing aid apps also make it a great option for seniors.
The sound quality on the iPhone SE is high, and its speakerphone delivers audio that’s both loud and clear — even for hearing aid users. We appreciated how easy it was to make video calls on this phone due to its high-resolution front-facing camera.
Another benefit of the iPhone SE is its compatibility with hearing aid manufacturers. For example, Eargo and Lively hearing aids both offer apps for their devices, allowing you to adjust your hearing aid settings without having to reach into your ears. These apps are available in the iOS app store.
When paired with a Mint Mobile senior plan, the iPhone comes at an affordable price, even with unlimited talk, text, and data. To learn more about this and other iPhones, check out our guide to iPhones for seniors.
If you’re looking for a hearing aid that can be controlled from your phone, then check out our Eargo review and Lively hearing aids review.
Price: $59 when purchased through Consumer Cellular
Hearing aid compatibility: M3/T4
Compared with the other cell phones on this list, the Consumer Cellular Link II has slightly lower ratings for hearing aid compatibility. In our tests, though, it performed just as well. Each of our test calls came through with no audio interference or ringing.
The Link II offers all you’d expect from a simple phone for seniors. It can make calls, send messages, and take photos (although its 2-megapixel camera doesn’t compare to the iPhone SE). The appeal of the Link II, however, is in its simplicity. If you’re looking for a phone that can perform basic functions — and features Bluetooth connectivity — then the Link II is worth a look.
When purchased with a Consumer Cellular plan, the Link II is highly affordable. Unlimited talk and text plans cost as low as $15 per month. To learn more about Consumer Cellular, be sure to check our Consumer Cellular Review.
If you have hearing loss or impairment, there are, luckily, plenty of phones that can accommodate your needs.
To learn more about our favorite phones and how they can be used with hearing aids, check out our helpful guides.
There are no phones made particularly for people with hearing loss, but many cell phones are hearing aid compatible and allow the phone and aids to be used in tandem without any interfering noise.
Traditional cell phones won’t work for people who are deaf, but caption phones can be a good alternative.
The Jitterbug Flip2, Alcatel Go Flip 4, and Jitterbug Smart3 are all rated M4/T4 for hearing aid compatibility, making them great options for people with hearing loss or impairment.
