Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Hearing Loss, Tested and Reviewed

Bay Alarm Medical s SOS Mobile system

Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home and on-the-go systems are simple, affordable, and offer great value, starting at $27.95 per month. Whether you want a smartwatch system, a mobile unit to wear on the go, or an in-home unit, Bay Alarm has an inexpensive option for your needs. The company runs seasonal promotions throughout the year, offering discounts on monthly service and equipment fees, so be on the lookout!

My Bay Alarm Medical package came with a Vial of Life, a card that lists important medical information for emergencies. I filled it out with my complete medical information, like allergies or hearing loss, for emergency personnel. Then, I placed it on my fridge so it was clearly displayed and easy to find. This is a crucial accessory for deaf seniors who may struggle to communicate with first responders.

Filling out my Vial of Life card from Bay Alarm Medical

I could also add my emergency plan, including information for accessing my residence and emergency contacts, in the company's mobile app. This ensured response agents knew all pertinent information whenever I called. Many providers, including Medical Guardian and Lively, offer this feature. I highly recommend filling it out as soon as you get your system — it's essential for many seniors.

Speaker Quality

I tested the speakers on the SOS Home and SOS Micro systems, and I was happy with the volume, with some minor caveats. The response agent's voice sounded slightly muffled coming through the SOS Home's base unit. Fortunately, the response agent could always hear and understand me.

Additionally, I appreciated that both the landline and cellular units have a “status” light that stays green with a good signal. That lets you know your system is working, even if you're struggling to hear audible system updates.

Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home system

Similar to Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite, Bay Alarm’s SOS Micro system doesn’t let you adjust the speaker volume. I was disappointed to see this same missing feature with many of the industry’s best GPS medical alert systems. Still, the SOS Micro’s speaker was loud, and I could clearly hear the response agent.

Trying out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite

Response Times

While testing speaker quality, I also timed how quickly I could reach a Bay Alarm Medical response agent. When I pressed the help button on my SOS Micro unit, I heard a beep and an automated voice let me know a call was being made. The system's help button turned solid blue to indicate a call was in place — I appreciated this nonverbal cue.

On average, it took about 20 seconds from pressing the help button until I heard the agent's voice. For comparison, this was five seconds slower than Medical Guardian's average response times, but still fast.

» Our Full Review:Bay Alarm Medical alert system review 2025

Pricing

Bay Alarm Medical’s prices range from $27.95 to $64.95 per month, plus equipment fees for certain systems. That's affordable when compared to Medical Guardian or Lively. You can also save money by bundling systems together, with costs starting at $64.95.

For instance, if you want an in-home system and a mobile unit, a bundle would help you save significantly compared to purchasing the two systems separately. Fall detection costs an extra $10 with any system, which is standard for the industry.

Expert Insights

From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R

I love Bay Alarm Medical’s affordability. A medical alert system is a necessity, so it’s important to keep the price where people can afford it.

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system

Medical Guardian has a diverse product lineup and competitive pricing for at-home and on-the-go systems. I've tested all of Medical Guardian's systems, and I'm a big fan of their response team. When I pressed my medical alert button, I was always connected to a U.S.-based operator trained to speak loudly and clearly. The operator knows your medical information, including hearing loss or deafness, when you call. Every operator I spoke with addressed me by name and was friendly and efficient.

I also appreciate that Medical Guardian includes a free lockbox with select annual payment plans. In an emergency, the operator can give first responders the code to retrieve your key. That way, if you can't hear them knocking, they won't need to break down your door to get inside and help you.

Expert Insights

From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R

It’s great that Medical Guardian has visual cues, which is so important for people with hearing loss. The free lockbox is also helpful. I have worked with many older adults who required emergency responders to kick down their door, which is the last thing one wants to have to deal with while on their way to the hospital!

Consider your lifestyle and level of hearing loss before purchasing. Seniors with severe hearing loss may benefit most from the MGHome Cellular. This in-home system's base unit lights up when an emergency call is placed, and you can adjust the volume on the two-way speaker. My grandma and I tried this system, and we both commented on how loud the base unit's speaker was, perfect for those with hearing loss.

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Speaker Quality

I tested the speaker volume on several Medical Guardian systems, including the MGMini Lite. This system combines the comfort of a watch-style device with the simplicity of a standard call button. It doesn't have any bells and whistles — just a help button and a two-way speaker. This is perfect for those who want to keep things simple.

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite

After holding the alert button, I was connected with a Medical Guardian response agent who asked if I needed help right away. The volume was loud and clear, even when I held the device at arm's length. I also tested how well the agent could hear me at different volumes. The two-way speaker picked up my voice well, even when I spoke quietly.

» Further Reading: Best Medical Alert Bracelets

The only downside I noticed is that the MGMini Lite doesn't have volume control. If you want this feature, you'll need to choose an at-home unit like the MGHome Cellular or a more expensive package like the MGMove.

My grandma and I tested the MGHome Cellular system together, and we were impressed with the base unit's two-way speaker. My grandma could clearly hear the operator across the room, even when she wasn't wearing her hearing aids.

Grandma testing Medical Guardian's Home system

Medical Guardian's systems all offer nonverbal cues to let you know a call is being placed. For instance, the MGMove smartwatch screen displays a countdown when you press your help button, while the buttons on the MGHome Cellular base unit light up when you place a call. I appreciate this for those who might not hear the call ringing.

Expert Insights

From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R

I frequently hear from my clients that Medical Guardian has exceptional customer service. No high pressure sales, very friendly, and very helpful.

Response Times

Medical Guardian offers fast response times. My calls were answered in an average of 15 seconds when testing MGHome Cellular, MGMini, and MGMove. I experienced similar response times with Lively’s Mobile2 medical alert system.

Pressing in the red SOS button on the side of the MGMove

I had a slower experience with the MGMini Lite. After holding the alert button (which lights up blue to indicate it's connecting), it took about one minute to connect to an operator.

While this is still fast, it's much slower than the average response times for other systems on our list. MGMini Lite runs on a cellular connection, and I realized cell reception at my house isn't the strongest, likely the reason for the slow times. I'd recommend checking your cell reception at home before purchasing a cellular system to ensure it's strong and reliable.

» Our Full Review: Medical Guardian review 2025

Pricing

Monthly costs for Medical Guardian's systems range from $31.95 to $46.95, plus $10 per month to add fall detection. There are also one-time equipment fees with select systems.

I'm not a fan of these extra fees, but they're common with other top providers like Bay Alarm Medical. Compared to Lively's monthly rates, Medical Guardian's standard monthly premiums are affordable.

You could also save by paying annually or quarterly instead of monthly. Medical Guardian will give you a prorated refund for unused months of service if you cancel before your payment period is up.

They don't charge any cancellation fees either, so I'd recommend going with an annual plan if it suits your budget. Annual plans also come with perks like a free lockbox.

» Pricing Guide: Medical Guardian prices and deals

Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4

Lively made our list for its senior-friendly phones with built-in medical alert technology. With Lively's phones, you get a phone and medical alert device in one — no need to carry two separate devices! Plus, the Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart4 are both compatible with hearing aids. The Jitterbug Flip2 has an M4/T4 compatibility rating, the best possible rating, while the Jitterbug Smart4 has an M3/T4 rating.

I could also adjust the phone’s volume from low to high and turn on speakerphone mode with the press of a button. I found both phones’ speakers to be loud and of high quality when I made calls. These features can make communicating with an Urgent Response agent easier, especially if you have hearing loss.

» Our Full Review: Lively medical alert system review

Both phones feature a red Urgent Response button that acts like the alert or help button you'd find on a traditional medical alert system. Plus, Lively offers a standalone medical alert device, the Lively Mobile2.

The Jitterbug Flip2 has a large red Urgent Response button

Speaker Quality

Both the Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart4 have loud speakers and adjustable volume. And, since they're compatible with most hearing aids, you won’t have to rely on the speakers alone.

My grandma made a call to her daughter on the Jitterbug Smart4, and she had no trouble hearing the conversation. The volume was easy to adjust with large buttons on the side of the phone. I had the same experience when I made a test call to Lively’s Urgent Response team and had no issues hearing the agent I spoke with.

My grandma making a call on the Jitterbug Smart4

The speaker clarity is just as good on the Lively Mobile2. I found that the volume level was perfect for me — it wasn't too loud or too quiet. I wish you could adjust the volume on this mobile unit, but, as I've mentioned, mobile systems don't typically come with this option.

Response Times

My grandma and I tested response times on both Jitterbug phones and the Lively Mobile2. Calling for help was easy on each device. On the Jitterbug phones, we pressed their respective red Urgent Response buttons.

For the Lively Mobile2, we pressed the unit's black help button. We recorded average response times of just 10 seconds on the Lively Mobile2 and 20 seconds on the Jitterbug phones. This puts Lively on par with Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian's response times.

Placing a test call on the Lively Mobile2

Pricing

While both Jitterbug phones are equipped with Urgent Response buttons, you'll need to pair your phone with a higher-tier Lively plan to use them. The Jitterbug Flip2 costs $79.99, while the Jitterbug Smart4 costs $119.99 — though both are on deep discounts through 12/21/2025.

To turn either phone into a medical alert device, you'll need to add the Preferred or Premium Lively phone plan, starting at $39.99 and $49.99, respectively, as of November 2025. You'll also need to add a data package with the Jitterbug Smart4, which ranges from $5 to $30 per month.

» Pricing Guide: Lively medical alert system cost and pricing

These prices may not be as affordable as Bay Alarm Medical or LifeFone, but remember that you're getting a phone and a medical alert system in one package. Lively offers some unique features that may be worth the cost — these include a care advocate to help you meet your health goals and on-call nurses available to answer medical questions.

Lively Link is one of my favorite features. It's a mobile app that lets you track your Jitterbug phone, receive alerts when an emergency call is placed, and view the device's status. Lively Link is perfect for caregivers and family members who want an easy way to check on their loved ones.

Tracking my grandmas location using the Lively Link mobile app

If you don't need a phone or don't want to combine your phone and medical alert system, you can opt for the Lively Mobile2. This on-the-go medical alert device costs $79.99, and you can choose between the Basic plan ($24.99 per month) and Premium plan ($34.99 per month).

Expert Insights

From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R

Lively being compatible with hearing aids is so helpful! It is also terrific that they have U.S.-based monitoring. Many monitoring centers outside of the U.S. have agents who speak with thick accents, making it more difficult for someone with hearing loss to understand.

Testing out LifeFone's At-Home Cellular system

Did you know research shows that hearing loss can increase your risk of falling?3 It’s one of the reasons I recommend automatic fall detection for those with hearing loss. This feature can detect the motion of a fall and call for help, even if you can’t press your help button. Fall detection can be pricey for those on a budget, so I was impressed with LifeFone’s affordable fall detection. At just $5 per month, it's one of the lowest rates for automatic fall detection — and half the price of fall detection from Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical.

I’d recommend LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active system for older adults with hearing loss. It has a built-in two-way speaker for communicating with the emergency operator. You can hold the speaker right up to your ear if you’re struggling to hear the operator. If you’re a homebody, the At-Home Cellular unit is a good option, too. It has an ultra-sensitive microphone and adjustable volume control. It lights up when an emergency call is made, so you’ll know a call is being placed even if you can’t hear it.

» Related Reading: Best medical alert systems with fall detection for seniors

Speaker Quality

I tested the speakers on the At-Home base station, along with the On-the-Go, At-Home and On-the-Go, and the VIP flex system, and each delivered excellent results. The volume was loud, crisp, and clear, and the response agent on the other end never had any issues hearing us.

A few of LifeFone's on-the-go systems, such as the VIP Active, have adjustable volume buttons. That is unique, as most other mobile systems on this list don't allow you to change the volume.

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Response Times

Like Medical Guardian and Lively, LifeFone offers excellent customer service and fast response times. After testing several of LifeFone’s systems, I recorded average response times of 20 seconds. This is the same response time we experienced with Lively’s Jitterbug phones and Bay Alarm Medical’s systems.

» Our Full Review: LifeFone medical alert system review 2025

Pricing

LifeFone’s prices range from $29.95 to $47.95 per month. These starting prices are higher than other providers on our list, like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical. However, you can save by choosing an annual or quarterly payment plan, which brings down the price significantly.

Plus, the $5 monthly cost for fall detection is affordable. Another major benefit of LifeFone is that they don't charge any equipment or activation fees. When you compare LifeFone's prices to those offered by Lively (considering the hefty equipment fees), you'll see that you can avoid significant upfront costs with LifeFone.

Expert Insights

From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R

Fall detection is absolutely critical, so it’s wonderful that LifeFone makes the feature affordable. It’s a double bonus that the company offers a price-lock guarantee so there are no surprises with the bill in years to come.

One other drawback to note: LifeFone’s companion mobile app for caregivers costs an extra $8 per month. I wasn’t happy about this, as other providers like Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian offer access to their mobile apps at no additional cost. Still, if you find a LifeFone system that fits your needs and want affordable fall detection, the company might be worth it.

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