How do I increase the volume on a phone for an elderly hard-of-hearing person?

On iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual and enable Headphone Accommodations. On Android, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Enhancements. You can also increase maximum volume during a call with the side buttons.

Is a telephone amplifier effective for seniors?

Yes, a handset amplifier boosts volume by 20-40 dB depending on the model. It is a simple and affordable solution (30-60 euros) that plugs between the landline phone and the handset. Geemarc and Amplicomms are the best-known brands.

Are hearing aids compatible with smartphones?

Most modern hearing aids are Bluetooth-compatible and work with iPhones (MFi certification) and Android phones. The call sound streams directly to the hearing aids, significantly improving clarity.

Which Bluetooth headset should I choose for a hard-of-hearing senior?

An over-ear headset with easy volume control is recommended. JBL Tune 520BT or Sony WH-CH520 offer good value at 40-60 euros. Choose models with physical buttons rather than touch controls.

Is speakerphone a good solution for a senior who can't hear well?

Speakerphone is the most immediate and free solution. It significantly increases volume and requires no purchase. The downsides are lack of privacy and sometimes degraded sound quality in noisy environments.

My Parent Can’t Hear Well on the Phone: Practical Solutions

Does your parent or grandparent struggle to hear on the phone? You are not alone. This problem affects millions of seniors and causes frustration, isolation and sometimes dangerous situations when important information is missed. This guide presents all solutions, from simplest to most complete.

Transparency note: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) affects approximately 40% of people over 65 and 65% of those over 75 according to INSERM data (2023). On the phone, the problem is amplified because you cannot lip-read and sound quality is compressed. Fortunately, solutions exist for every situation and budget.

Solution 1: Increase the device volume

On iPhone

During a call, press volume + on the left side to maximum
Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual: enable Headphone Accommodations, set to Loud for quiet sounds

On Android

During a call, use volume + buttons
Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Enhancements: enable Sound Amplifier, adjust left/right balance

Many seniors simply do not know their phone volume is not at maximum. A 30-second check may solve the problem entirely.

Solution 2: Speakerphone

The most immediate, free solution available on all phones.

Advantages: free, significantly louder, hands-free Disadvantages: reduced privacy, variable quality in echoing rooms

Tip: place the phone on a flat, non-metallic surface about 50 cm away.

Solution 3: Landline phone amplifiers

An amplifier plugs between the handset and the phone base, boosting sound by 20-40 dB.

Recommended models:

Geemarc CLA40 (~35 euros): +40 dB, volume dial, battery-powered. Rating 4.1/5 on Amazon.
Amplicomms PowerTel 48 (~45 euros): +40 dB, 3 tone profiles, compact.

Installation takes less than 5 minutes with no technical skill.

Solution 4: Amplified landline phones

If the current phone is old, replacing it with an amplified model may be the best solution.

Features: up to +50 dB volume, amplified ringtone with flash, extra-large keys, hearing aid compatible, photo speed-dial buttons.

Recommended:

Geemarc AmpliDECT 595 (~120 euros): +50 dB, answering machine, SOS function, induction loop compatible
Amplicomms BigTel 1580 (~90 euros): +40 dB, extra-large keys, 3 photo memory buttons, incoming call flash

Solution 5: Bluetooth headset

A Bluetooth headset delivers sound directly to the ears, greatly improving clarity.

Choose over-ear (recommended for seniors): more comfortable, better sound, physical buttons, easy to put on/remove. Avoid in-ear: hard to insert, easy to lose, often incompatible with hearing aids.

Recommended:

JBL Tune 520BT (~40 euros): 155g, 57-hour battery, physical buttons
Sony WH-CH520 (~45 euros): 147g, 50-hour battery, physical buttons. Rating 4.4/5

Connecting Bluetooth

iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth > tap headset name > “Connected” Android: Settings > Connected Devices > Pair New Device > tap headset name

Once paired, the headset reconnects automatically each time it is turned on.

Solution 6: Hearing aids compatible with smartphones

The most complete solution for diagnosed hearing loss.

Most modern hearing aids are Bluetooth-capable. According to the French National Federation of Audiologists (FNA, 2025), 85% of hearing aids sold in 2025 have direct Bluetooth connectivity.

With iPhone: MFi (Made for iPhone) certified hearing aids connect directly. With Android: ASHA-compatible hearing aids connect to Android 10+.

“100% Health” scheme (France)

Since January 2021, Class I hearing aids are available at no out-of-pocket cost for those with complementary health insurance. Similar schemes exist in other countries — check with your national health service.

When to see a specialist

If your parent systematically asks people to repeat on the phone, turns TV volume very high, struggles in noisy environments, or reports ringing in the ears — consult an ENT specialist for a hearing test. The average delay between first signs and consultation is 7 years — do not wait.

Solution 7: Hidden accessibility settings

iPhone

Headphone Accommodations: amplifies quiet sounds, adjusts frequencies
Live Listen: turns iPhone into an amplified microphone with AirPods
Speak Screen: reads content aloud

Android

Sound Amplifier: amplifies ambient sounds in real time
Live Transcription: converts speech to text in real time (Pixel and recent Samsung)
Visual notifications and vibrations: never miss a call

Summary: which solution?

Solution	Cost	Effectiveness	Ease
Increase volume	Free	Moderate	Very simple
Speakerphone	Free	Good	Very simple
Handset amplifier	30-60	Very good	Simple
Amplified landline	80-150	Excellent	Simple
Bluetooth headset	40-70	Very good	Medium
Hearing aids	0 (100% Health) to 2000	Excellent	Requires ENT
Accessibility settings	Free	Good	Medium

Where to start?

Check the volume — free, takes 30 seconds
Try speakerphone — if sufficient, no need to go further
If the problem persists, consult an ENT for a hearing assessment
Meanwhile, a Bluetooth headset or amplifier provides immediate relief

Editorial note

Sources consulted: INSERM 2023, FNA 2025, JNA 2024, French health insurance 2024, Fondation pour l’audition 2023, Amazon user reviews March 2026.

Limitations: Amplifier and headset performance depend on the type and degree of hearing loss. This article does not replace medical advice. Prices are those observed in March 2026.

Verification date: 26 March 2026

Conflicts of interest: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. Recommendations are based on seniors’ hearing needs.

Questions fréquentes

: On iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual and enable Headphone Accommodations. On Android, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Enhancements. You can also increase maximum volume during a call with the side buttons.
: Yes, a handset amplifier boosts volume by 20-40 dB depending on the model. It is a simple and affordable solution (30-60 euros) that plugs between the landline phone and the handset. Geemarc and Amplicomms are the best-known brands.
: Most modern hearing aids are Bluetooth-compatible and work with iPhones (MFi certification) and Android phones. The call sound streams directly to the hearing aids, significantly improving clarity.
: An over-ear headset with easy volume control is recommended. JBL Tune 520BT or Sony WH-CH520 offer good value at 40-60 euros. Choose models with physical buttons rather than touch controls.
: Speakerphone is the most immediate and free solution. It significantly increases volume and requires no purchase. The downsides are lack of privacy and sometimes degraded sound quality in noisy environments.