An Introduction to: Cordless Phones for Seniors
In this article we review 5 of the best Cordless Phones for Seniors. But before we get to the reviews, we should understand some of the general benefits these devices offer. Why would someone need a cordless phone and what makes them suitable for seniors?
Communication at all ages is important, it keeps us connected with friends, colleagues and loved ones. A cordless phone has the benefits of a fixed landline phone, such as cost, sound quality and no network reception issues, plus the added advantage of being cordless, so you can use it anywhere in the house or even nearby in the yard or garden.
For many, as we age, hearing begins to deteriorate – this is known as presbycusis – and this will occur to most of us as we get older. About a third those between the ages of 65 and 74 have some sort of hearing loss. This increases to approximately 50% for those aged 75 and over (source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders).
To help address some of these age related conditions a number of phone manufactures have designed handsets with a number of specific features to assist the elderly and those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the most common are: –
- Improved amplification to increase the volume
- Loud ringtones
- Visual alerts when the phone rings
- Talking Caller ID
- Extra large buttons/keypad
- Hearing Aid Compatible
Cordless Phones for Seniors: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Well-being
Cordless phones designed for seniors can reduce the anxiety and frustration that many users with poor hearing will associate with phone calls; in particular having to constantly ask the caller to repeat themselves, which can be irritating for the caller and can reduce the flow and tone of a conversation.
For a healthy mind it’s important to talk with friends and loved ones – a quality handset will make the conversation that much more enjoyable, improving the mood and lifting spirits.
Independence
In addition to the increased volume and sound quality these devices offer, there are a number of other features that assist with living an independent lifestyle, such as large buttons for anyone with poor hand dexterity, visual/flashing light alerts so you can see the phone ring and loud ringtones so you’ll never miss a call.
Cordless phones are just one type of device that can help with living independently and being able to stay in touch with people, you should also consider landline phones for seniors and cell phones for seniors.
The Shortlist: Cordless Phones for Seniors
Our selection of Cordless Phones for Seniors include a range of features with budgets to suit everyone. You may have specific needs or requirements – the comparison summary table will help you narrow down which is the right one for you.
Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W
Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W: Key Features
The Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W is from a trusted name in consumer electronics – a go to brand for many. We’ve actually chosen two devices from Panasonic, the DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone and this one, the Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W – both have a number of features in common.
The package contains one handset and a base unit that is home to the answering machine and speakerphone. If you need more handsets, these can be purchased individually – the base unit can host up to 6 handsets. We looked at the white handset, but it’s also available in black and silver – nice to have a choice of colors.
There are a couple of features that stood out for me:
- Boost – this makes the caller sound significantly louder (up to 40 decibels) – this boost volume can be adjusted.
- Crystal clear hi-resolution backlit LED screen for easy reading.
- Talk Slow feature actually slows down the speed of the caller in real-time – now it sounds a little unusual, but makes a real difference when listening to a fast speaker – you have a number of speed options to choose from (slow & slower).
- Speech Booster – increases the volume of your speech as heard by the caller.
- Talking Caller ID – This feature tells you who is calling without looking at the display.
- Bright visual alerts on both the handset and base unit so you can also see when the phone rings.
Another useful setting is Noise Suppression – this is where the background sound can be adjusted using the noise reduction filter.
Other features include speed dial, phone book, answerphone (up to 17 minutes of recording), call blocking, intercom and hearing aid compatibility.
It’s not the cheapest in our selection, but on balance has all the features and quality you’d ever want.
Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W: What’s in the Box
- Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W
- Base unit
- AC adaptor
- Telephone line cord
- Wall mounting adaptor
- Rechargeable batteries
- Handset cover
- Belt clip
- Operating instructions
Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Caller volume up to 40dB
- Six voice tone settings
- Loud 100dB base unit ringer
- Real-time Slow Talk feature
- Handset has a large backlit hi-resolution LCD display
- Suppresses background noise
- 15 rington options
- Answering Machine
- Available in black, silver & white
- Visual alerts on base unit and handset (bright flashing LEDs)
- Intercom
- Compatible with Hearing Aid T-Coil
- Speakerphone
- Talking Caller ID
- Talking keypad
- Call block
- Expandable up to 6 handsets
- Battery backup for power outages
Cons
- Reasonably expensive
- Lots of features – can take time to become familiar with them all
Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Setting up the Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W took a little time. The 84 page operating instructions go into a lot of detail – it’s also available as a 207 page large print manual which is thoughtful for anyone with poor eyesight. There are no tricky settings and it’s not complicated – there are just so many features – all of which are what I would call “genuine” – i.e. serve a specific and noticeable task. The menu is logically set out – and getting the feature/setting you are after is simple enough (maybe some trial and error involved).
I would like to see Panasonic create online video tutorials, particularly for products that are targeted at a generation that might be less familiar with setting up technology.
If you do run into difficulties you can talk live to Panasonic Support Monday to Friday 9am-5pm EST.
- Hear and Be Heard, Loud and Clear: Boost the volume of the call (up to 40 dB); includes six voice Tone Settings and a loud base unit ringer (up to 100 dB)
- Understand Every Word, Every Time: Slow Talk button slows the speed of speech, both in real time and in voice messages, so you can clearly understand what is being said
- Large Backlit LCD and Large Backlit Buttons: Clearly see who's calling with a large, bright display screen of 1.8" (4.4 cm) that displays caller information; large backit buttons make dialing easy, even with low vision or in the dark
VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone
VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone: Key Features
The VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone is from VTech – the largest manufacturer of residential phones in the US. Founded in 1976 they produce a variety of electronic learning and telecommunications products.
The VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone System comes with one handset – but you can add up to 4 accessory handsets. Infact one of the features that attracted us to the SN5127 was the ability to accessorize it. They have created a number of companion items that many users will appreciate: –
- Cordless Audio Doorbell – talk to visitors at the door from your SN5127 cordless phone
- Wearable Home SOS Pendant – a wearable device with a button that calls the 5 SOS contacts on your phone
- Amplified Photo Dial Accessory Handset – Handset with no keypad, just photograph buttons
- Amplified Cordless Extension Ringer – can be placed anywhere in your house and will alert you when the phone rings
The inclusion of an SOS button will be a great plus for many – when pressed it can dial 5 selected numbers and play a pre-recorded message requesting help. It can also be used as a pager – alerting other VTech handsets in your house (if you have them).
The sound features are impressive – up to 50 decibel volume from the handset and an impressive loudspeaker for hands free conversations.
VTech have included their Smart Call Blocker on the SN5127 – this lets you block nuisance callers in real time with the press of a button. It can filter automated / robot / spam calls – but still let genuine callers through and it can also screen unknown callers by asking them to identify themselves before you answer the call, affording you the option to accept or block.
VTech also have a feature intended to help you slow down the speed of fast talkers – but unlike the Panasonic KX-TGM420W, this only works on recorded answer phone messages. The final feature worth noting is the inclusion of “photo dial” – on the base unit there are 4 extra large buttons that can have printed photos inserted into them – a really nice touch.
VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone: What’s in the Box
- VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone
- Answer Phone / base unit
- AC adaptor
- Telephone line cord
- Rechargeable batteries
- Belt clip
- Quick start guide
- Introducing Smart call blocker
- Important safety instructions
VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Useful accessories
- Photo dial
- Great value
- 50dB Audio Assist
- Caller ID announce
- Digital answering system – up to 22 minutes of recording time
- Expandable up to 4 handsets
- Slow Play (for recorded messages only)
- Smart Call Blocker
- Talking prompts
- Visual ringer alert
- Dedicated SOS button (programable)
- Speakerphone
Cons
- Ringer volume is a little quieter than others in our review
- Display feels a bit “cluttered”
VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Setting up the VTech SN5127 Amplified Cordless Senior Phone was reasonably straightforward – it came with an 82 page User’s Manual which was laid out neatly, and all the instructions were written clearly – but there are a lot of them. One thing that did help a little with the initial installation was the “Talking Prompts” feature – this walks you through the steps required to set up the answerphone. The user menu on the phone is not confusing and the settings are found easily enough – as with many of these phone menus – be prepared for a little trial and error while you familiarize yourself with the unit.
Again, I’d like to have seen VTech create more instructional/setup videos – although they do have an introduction video to the use of their Smart Call Blocker.
They have a good support portal with access to user manuals & frequently asked questions, you can also contact VTech customer support by phone Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm (Pacific Time) or by email anytime.
- Note: The buttons are white color not orange as the image represents the orange color due to the visual ringers that light up when receiving a phone call.Caller ID/call waiting—stores 50 calls | DECT 6.0 digital technology | 50 name and number phonebook directory | Last 10 number redial
- 50Db audio assist: temporarily increases overall volume by up to 50Db and enhances Sound frequencies that make speech easier to understand.1, 000 Name and number smart call Block directory
- Photo dial: never forget whose number is whose. Program four frequently dialed Phone numbers and attach a photo to each one for convenient speed dialing.
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud: Key Features
The Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud is from Clarity who create communication products specifically aimed at the elderly and seniors, such as assistive listening devices, amplified phones & notification devices. Their headquarters and labs are in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Unboxing the Clarity XLC3.4+ you’re presented with a different looking device than the others we have on review. The shape and form are quite unique, with a purposely large earpiece to ensure good ear coverage. Surrounding the earpiece is the visual indicator – a bright flashing red ring.
Before we consider what the Clarity XLC3.4+ has – let’s quickly look at what it’s missing. There is no answerphone, no speed dial, no intercom and no extra large buttons – so if these are critical to your feature requirements then you might want to consider another device. However, if you don’t have the need for these, then the quality and features it does have make it an attractive proposition.
This has been designed around the most important feature of a cordless phone for seniors/hard of hearing, and that is sound quality, it comes with DCP™digital amplification for up to 50dB – and for the person on the other end of the line it amplifies outgoing speech by up to 15dB.
The screen is big and clear, and the buttons (although not extra large) feel good to press and have the advantage of being back lit for greater visibility in darker rooms – it also includes talking keys that speak the number you have pressed, and will also announce the caller’s name when the phone rings with it’s Talking Caller ID facility.
Good quality + simple. A great combination.
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud: What’s in the Box
- Clarity XLC3.4+ handset + belt clip
- Base unit
- Long phone cord
- AC power adapter
- Quick start guide
- User guide
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Digital amplification up to 50dB
- 4 Tone settings
- Loud flashing ringer
- Add upto 15dB for outgoing speech to benefit the other caller
- Loud 95dB ringer
- Expandable up to 3 additional handsets
- Talking Caller ID
- Battery Backup
- Backlit keypad
- Talking keypad
- Hearing aid compatible & TIA-1083 compliant
Cons
- No answer phone
- No photo dial
- No voice speed adjustment
- Reasonably expensive
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Clarity have helpfully created an unboxing and setup video for the Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud, this coupled with the 2 page quick start guide made it one of the simplest cordless phones to setup and use. The menu settings on the phone handset was easy to navigate, and we had no problems finding the settings/functions we wanted. Even the instructions in the main user guide have been condensed into a mere 39 pages! That said, none of the devices we’ve selected are that complicated to operate – but it’s nice when a manufacturer spends a little more effort on keeping things as simple as possible.
If you have any questions, Clarity will be happy to answer these by phone or email.
- 4 tone settings for a customized listening experience & 95dB extra-loud ringer with adjustable tones
- Amplifies incoming sound up to 50 dB & outgoing speech up to 15dB for others to hear better
- Includes dual-power battery allowing calls when power is out & belt clip
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone: Key Features
The Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone is the second device we’ve selected from global giant Panasonic.
In this bundle you get the main base unit housing the answering system + handset; but what makes this package stand out is the inclusion of a second handset. A further 4 handsets can be added if required.
It’s the only cordless phone package we’ve included in this article that hasn’t been specifically designed with the needs of seniors / hard of hearing in mind. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as this general consumer focussed product includes some of the features we’d expect as standard:
- It’s an amplified phone – but not to the same volume level as others we’ve reviewed, but could make a difference for those with less of a hearing impairment.
- The second handset can be used as a “baby” monitor, or potentially for a carer/loved one to listen for any disturbances.
- You can also make announcement to all additional handset(s).
- Talking Caller ID – This feature tells you who is calling without looking at the display.
- Big (but not huge) numeric keypad that has the advantage of being backlit for easy visibility in dark conditions.
- Tone equalizer – this feature lets the user change bass, mid-range and treble tones of the phone to their preference.
- Do not disturb – silent mode can be useful if you want to ensure you are uninterrupted.
- The handsets are all non-slip which is great for anyone with a weak grip or reduced hand dexterity.
Other more common features inculde speed dial, phone book, answerphone (up to 18 minutes of recording) & call blocking.
It has the same hi-resolution crystal clear backlit LED screen as Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W – which we love. So maybe not designed with seniors in mind – but worthy of consideration nonetheless.
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone: What’s in the Box
- Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone
- Additional handset + base
- base unit with answer phone
- 2 x AC adaptor
- Telephone line cord
- Wall mounting adaptor
- 4 x Rechargeable batteries
- 2 x Handset cover
- 2 x Belt clip
- Operating instructions
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great value
- Includes 2 handsets
- Call Block
- Large backlit hi-resolution LCD display
- Voice paging / announcements
- Baby monitor
- Answering system with 18 minutes recording time
- Talking Caller ID
- Tone equalizer
- Do not disturb mode
- Expandable to 6 handsets
- Hearing aid compatible – TIA-1083 compliant
- 3 number speed dial on base unit and handset
- Big backlit keypad
Cons
- Not specifically designed to be used by seniors
- Not as loud as other dedicated phones for seniors
- No photo dial
- No voice speed adjustment
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Setting up the Panasonic DECT 6.0 Plus Cordless Amplified Phone was almost identical to the Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W – both took some time while working our way through the 64 page instruction booklet (this time there was no large print manual available). The menu system is almost identical as well – logically set out, so finding the feature/setting you’re after is simple enough.
My earlier criticism regarding the lack of video tutorials applies to this device as well – it was still easy enough to use, but a video would have brought the features to life a little better than a black and white instruction booklet.
If you do run into difficulties you can talk live to Panasonic Support Monday to Friday 9am-5pm EST.
- DECT 6.0 Plus Technology
- All-digital answering machine
- Intelligent Eco Mode.Frequency:1.9 GHz
ClearSounds A700 Amplified Cordless Phone
ClearSounds A700 Amplified Cordless Phone: Key Features
The ClearSounds A700 Amplified Cordless Phone is from US based ClearSounds Communications – a manufacturer of listening devices for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
The ClearSounds A700 DECT 6.0 Amplified Cordless Phone with Answering Machine is the last of the Cordless Phones for Seniors we reviewed. Included are the features we’ve now come to expect, such as a visual ringer, answering machine, Talking CallerID, hearing aid compatibility, amplification (up to 40dB) and easy to use large buttons.
The ClearSounds A700 has a few other useful tricks up its sleeve…
- 2 one touch memories above the display of the handset for your two most frequently used contacts.
- Alarm clock including snooze function.
- A useful flashlight on top of the handset.
- Bright strobe-light ringing notification to ensure you see the phone ring.
- Tone adjustment to the get the perfect sound.
- 10 Contact assignable ringtones, this lets you change the ringtone/tune you hear when different callers ring you .
- Handset vibration – similar to mobile phone vibrate.
- SOS button on the rear of the device – this will dial the emergency contact you assign to it.
This is an expensive unit – but as you can see form some of the unique features included, it might just be worth it.
ClearSounds A700 Amplified Cordless Phone: What’s in the Box
- ClearSounds A700 Handset
- Base unit
- AC Power Adapter
- 3 x Rechargeable AAA NiMH batteries
- Phone Cord
- Instruction Manual
ClearSounds A700 Amplified Cordless Phone: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Programmable SOS button
- 10 ringtones
- Adjustable tone
- Backlit keypad
- Large buttons
- Talking CallerID
- 2 one touch speed dials
- Handset vibration
- Expandable up to 4 additional handsets
- Bright strobe-light ringing notification
- Built-in answering machine
- Amplification of between 15 and 40 decibels
Cons
- Expensive
- No photo dial
- No voice speed adjustment
ClearSounds A700 Amplified Cordless Phone: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The 133 page user manual that comes with your ClearSounds A700 Amplified Cordless Phone is sure to answer any possible question you could ever have! That said, it’s well written, topics are grouped logically and it’s nicely laid out. Getting to grips with the basics is simple enough, it’s only when you delve into each and every setting that you might need to refer to the manual – but the system menu is quite simple, and you’ll quickly find the setting or feature you’re after.
Clearsounds can be contacted by phone and email for sales or technical enquiries.
- Provides reliable cordless connectivity - The ClearSounds A700 uses the DECT 6.0 technology to produce superior voice and sound quality. Plus, it does not suffer from wireless networks' interferences
- Comes with a built-in answering machine - The integrated answering machine can hold up to 15 minutes of incoming messages and memos
- Boosts the phone's volume up to 40dB - You can adjust the handset's volume from 15~40 dB. By default, the amplification is set in 0~15dB
Conclusion
The two that stood out for us were the Panasonic Amplified Cordless Phone KX-TGM420W – its a great all rounder, reasonable value and fantastic quality. We’d also like to recommend the Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 Extra Loud – the loudness, clarity and simplicity made it a great runner-up. Either of these would make ideal Cordless Phones for Seniors, in fact all the devices we selected were the best we could find – so none should dissapoint.