Best Cell Phones for Hearing Impaired Seniors for 2023
Our experts reviewed and researched 9 cell phones for hearing impaired seniors and narrowed the list to their top 3 recommendations.
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- High-volume speakers
- M3/T4 compatibility rating
- Resistant to both water and dust
- M4/T4 compatibility rating
- Crisp, clear speaker
- Medical alert features with paid subscription
- Smartphone designed specifically for seniors
- Built-in medical response capabilities
- Voice-to-text functionality
- M4/T4 compatibility rating
- Flip phone design with smartphone features
- Affordable price
- Extensive accessibility features
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Large screen
How We Chose the Best Cell Phones for Those With Hearing Loss
We took a look at various cell phones and considered factors like usability, carriers, features, and more to craft this list of the four best cell phones for older adults with hearing loss. Take a look and begin narrowing down your options as you shop for the perfect one for you or your aging loved one!
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Top 5 Cell Phones for Hearing Impaired Seniors
You may be wondering which cell phone is best for seniors with hearing impairment. When shopping for a cell phone for people who have hearing loss, there are several factors to consider. We looked at a variety of factors and came up with the following recommendations. Read on for a closer look at why each phone made our list.
The Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Hearing Loss
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iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular - Best Compact Smartphone for Hearing Impaired Seniors -
Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively - Best Cell Phone for Hearing Impaired Seniors -
Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Best Smartphone for Hearing Impaired Seniors
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TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile - Most Affordable Cell Phone for Hearing Impaired Users -
Apple iPhone 12 (Multiple Carriers) - Best Apple Phone for Hearing Impaired Seniors
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1. iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular - Best Compact Smartphone for Hearing Impaired Seniors
What we like most
- High-volume speakers
- M3/T4 compatibility rating
- Resistant to both water and dust
iPhone SE from Consumer CellularThe iPhone SE was originally released in 2016, and has become one of the most dependable and loved iPhone models. While it does have a host of advanced features, we think navigating the SE is an intuitive and seamless experience for any user, especially if you’re hearing impaired. With a 4.7 inch display screen, it is one of the most compact smartphones on the market. That means you can enjoy surfing the web, watching videos, and using your favorite apps without the hassle of carrying a big, bulky phone around.
The SE has a great 12MP camera and voice-assistant features, but the reason it's on this list is because of how easy it is to use for older Americans who have hearing loss. Not only does it have great sound quality, but it’s compatible with large hearing aid manufacturers. The SE is compatible with any Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aids, and the iOS app store offers several hearing aid apps that allow you to adjust your hearing aid directly from your iPhone.
Pros About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- Crisp HD display for easy reading
- 12MP wide camera
- Intuitive interface
- Clear and loud audio speakers
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Water- and dust-resistant
- 4K video streaming
Cons About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- Smaller screen (4.7 inches)
- Not the newest model
Pricing
Consumer Cellular’s plans and iPhone prices are pretty flexible and affordable. A new 64 GB iPhone SE costs $429, or you can spread your costs with $17 monthly payments. Most of Consumer Cellular’s different price points are cheaper than the country’s largest providers: T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Mint Mobile.
The Consumer Cellular plans are affordable, starting at $20 for unlimited talk, text, and 1 GB of data. Plans range up to $50 for an unlimited talk, text, and data plan. Customers have four data plans to choose from so you can find one that meets your needs and budget.
The Bottom Line
Consumer Cellular’s iPhone SE is the best compact option for hearing impaired seniors. It has everything you want out of a cell phone but is easy to use, carry around, and navigate. With great audio, M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility, and several apps that can connect to your hearing aid, the SE will make it significantly easier for hearing impaired seniors to use their phones.
To learn more about Consumer Cellular, check out our Consumer Cellular phone plan review.
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2. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively - Best Cell Phone for Hearing Impaired Seniors
What we like most
- M4/T4 compatibility rating
- Crisp, clear speaker
- Medical alert features with paid subscription
Jitterbug Flip2 from LivelyOverview
If you are in the market for a flip phone that is accommodating to seniors experiencing hearing loss, then consider the Jitterbug Flip2. It is well-regarded for its simple and practical design. On top of practical cell phone functions and features, this flip phone also doubles up as a medical alert device. Seniors can connect to an agent right away by pressing the Urgent Response button on the handset. Even if you're not the most technologically savvy person, you'll be able to use the Jitterbug Flip2 with ease.
Pro Tip: Read more about Jitterbug's Urgent Response button in our 2023 Jitterbug review.
Pros About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Doubles up as a medical alert device
- Nice clear loudspeaker
- Hearing aid compatibility rating M4/T4
- Large buttons
- Intuitive menus
- Straightforward as far as usability goes
Cons About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Speaker quality could improve
Pricing
The Jitterbug Flip2 retails for $99.99 plus shipping and activation fees. Lively’s talk and text plans start at $19.99 for unlimited minutes and texts. You can upgrade to a plan with more health and safety features, with prices ranging from $39.99 to $49.99 p er month.
Lively highly recommends adding one of these plans because it allows older adults to take advantage of the medical alert system feature. This keeps you covered in emergency situations when you may need to call for medical help.
Bottom Line
Keen on staying in touch with your loved ones without worrying about keeping up with complicated smartphone technology? The Jitterbug Flip2 is a great option to consider as you shop around for the perfect cell phone for those with hearing loss! Not only is it reasonably priced, it is also easy to use and comes with useful health features. Head to our Jitterbug Flip2 review for an in-depth look at all of the phone’s offerings.
Find out why the Lively Flip made our best cell phones for seniors and best flip phones for seniors lists!
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3. Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Best Smartphone for Hearing Impaired Seniors
What we like most
- Smartphone designed specifically for seniors
- Built-in medical response capabilities
- Voice-to-text functionality
Jitterbug Smart4 from LivelyOverview
The Jitterbug Smart4 is a smartphone designed just for older adults. With a sizable display, front-facing speakers, and basic call, text, and data plans, seniors with hearing loss can get everything they would need to communicate with loved ones at an affordable cost. Similar to the Jitterbug Flip2, users also have the option of taking advantage of the medical alert system features through their chosen cell phone plan.
Pros About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Large 6.75-inch screen
- Hearing aid compatibility rating M4/T4
- No annual contracts
- No cancellation fees
- Reasonably priced talk, text, and data plans
- Voice typing
- Video chat
Cons About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Internet connection may be a bit slow
Pricing
The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $149.99 plus monthly plan and activation fees. Depending on the plan you choose, the fees will vary. Lively’s phone plans range from $19.99 to $49.99 per month. Keep in mind, you must also select a data plan. Monthly data starts at $5 per month for 1 GB and goes up to $30 per month for unlimited data. All in all, Lively’s senior plan pricing is budget-friendly.
Money-saving Tip: Lively runs frequent promotions for their Jitterbug phones. You could save as much as 50 percent off, so keep your eyes peeled!
Bottom Line
Many seniors love the Jitterbug Smart4 because it has the simple, yet powerful Urgent Response button along with a wealth of other health and safety services. This is on top of your typical phone functions that keep you connected with family and friends! Customer service is 100 percent U.S.-based, so customers can be assured that they will get quality assistance whenever they need it.
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4. TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile - Most Affordable Cell Phone for Hearing Impaired Users
What we like most
- M4/T4 compatibility rating
- Flip phone design with smartphone features
- Affordable price
TCL FLIP Go from T-MobileOverview
For those with hearing loss who want an affordable, easy-to-use cell phone, the TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile is our top pick. At just $96, this is one of the most inexpensive phones with an M4/T4 rating that we’ve seen. Plus, it has minimal extra upfront fees and affordable monthly financing options, so even if you’re on a tight budget it’s a good choice.
Along with the budget-friendly price, the TCL FLIP Go is easy to use, with a flip phone design, a large keypad, a simple menu, and shortcuts to your favorite mobile apps. It’s also Bluetooth-compatible if you use Bluetooth hearing aids. We’re big fans of the M4/T4 rating, as it’s the highest possible rating for hearing aid-compatible phones. Whether you have mild or severe hearing loss, this phone should suit your needs.
Pros About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- M4/T4 Rating
- Inexpensive phone
- Simple design
- Mobile apps
- Large keypad
- Affordable senior talk, text, and data plans with T-Mobile
Cons About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- 2MP camera won’t be as high quality as other options
Pricing
The TCL FLIP Go costs just $96 if you want to pay for the phone upfront. If you’re on a tight budget, T-Mobile also offers monthly financing options for as little as $4 per month, which should be affordable for most users. Plus, T-Mobile limits the upfront costs, so you won’t have a ton of extra fees tacked onto the price. T-Mobile’s plan pricing is competitive, offering three affordable 55+ Unlimited plans that come with unlimited talk, text, and data, along with several other perks, starting at just $27.50 per line for two lines.
Bottom Line
Overall, the T-Mobile Alcatel TCL FLIP Go is a good option for people with hearing loss on a budget. Thanks to the M4/T4 rating, it should be suitable for most users regardless of their level of hearing loss. At just $96 with financing options for as low as $4 per month, it’s a budget-friendly option that will fit the needs of most users.
From the Experts: T-Mobile’s award-winning customer service, affordable plan rates, and extensive phone selection is impressive! Find out why our experts awarded T-Mobile 4.5 out of 5 stars in our T-Mobile plan review.
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5. Apple iPhone 12 (Multiple Carriers) - Best Apple Phone for Hearing Impaired Seniors
What we like most
- Extensive accessibility features
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Large screen
Apple iPhone 12 (Multiple Carriers)Overview
Apple makes it a breeze for people to stay connected even if they have hearing loss. iPhone 12 supports RTT and TTY phone calls without needing TTY hardware. If you get Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aids, you can easily personalize sound settings, have great conversations even in loud places, and track your hearing health! Starkey, a leader in innovative hearing aids, is part of the Made for iPhone program. Learn more in our latest Starkey hearing aid review.
From the Experts: Check out our step-by-step guide on how to pair your hearing aids with your iPhone.
In addition to seeing your alerts on the phone screen, Apple allows users to feel them (via vibration) whenever a call, text, email, new calendar event, or other notification arrives. There is also a way to make a bright LED light flash for such alerts. These features are excellent for seniors with hearing loss.
Pros About Apple iPhone 12 (Multiple Carriers)
- Hearing aid compatibility rated M3/T4
- Unlimited calls and texts
- Easy-to-navigate interface
- 6.06-inch display
- Excellent sound and camera quality
Cons About Apple iPhone 12 (Multiple Carriers)
- No headphone jack
- On the pricey side
Pricing
Apple iPhone 12 retails for $599 for 64 GB of storage and $649 for the 128 GB model. Data and phone plan pricing will vary depending on which carrier you choose. You can purchase the iPhone 12 at your local Apple store, on their website, Best Buy, or at carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. If you have an eligible phone to trade in, you may be able to get a reduced price on this new device!
Quick Tip: Shopping for a carrier? Don’t miss our cell phones for seniors buyer’s guide for a breakdown of the best cell phone carriers.
Bottom Line
Not only is the Apple iPhone 12 supported across multiple carriers, it’s also a fully-functioning smartphone boasting a stunning design. Many people love that this phone has plenty of cool features, but it doesn’t come at the expense of usability. It is easy to use and has a great speakerphone for those with hearing loss.
What Should I Look for in a Cell Phone for Hearing Impaired Seniors?
First and foremost, seniors with hearing loss will need a cell phone that offers hearing aid compatibility. This ensures that you won’t run into any issues with feedback and static when talking on the phone with someone. If you only have mild hearing loss and are not wearing hearing aids yet, you should still consider checking for hearing aid compatibility in case hearing aids become necessary in the future. Below are a few other things to consider when shopping for a cell phone for those with hearing loss.
Loud Speaker
A quality, loud speaker will go a long way in ensuring that you can easily listen in on a call and converse seamlessly with others. This is especially the case if you are starting to have trouble hearing, but haven’t needed hearing aids yet.
Large Screen With Bright Display
Not only is this easier on aging eyes, but it also provides a reliable way for seniors to communicate by text if they have difficulty hearing over the phone.
Long-Lasting Battery
If you’re out and about, running out of power in the middle of the day should be the least of your worries.
Durable Construction
Cell phones should be built to withstand everyday splashes and bumps so that you can focus on more important things in life.
GPS Capability
If you ever find yourself unable to contact someone, GPS features can be used as a tracking device so that your loved ones can easily locate you without directly reaching you. If you frequently get disoriented or lost, this feature will come in handy as well, providing turn-by-turn directions wherever you go.
Trial
When purchasing a cell phone, it’s always a good idea to inquire about the return policy and even ask if the manufacturer offers a free trial period. This way, you can test the phone out without fully committing right off the bat.
Pro Tip: In our hearing aid buyer’s guide, audiologist Dr. Brad Ingrao shares how to use your smartphone to fine-tune the hearing aids and accessories.
