Sara Paxton Emergency Alert System

Amplified Photo Phone

Cell Phones for an Aging Population:current Contenders to Consider

The utility of cell phones have made them extremely popular devices. However, as cell phones have advanced in recent years with increasing functions and features, their rising complexity and declining size have made them difficult to access for those with decreased motor, auditory, and visual skills. Included among those who have difficulty with access are a significant number of those people over the age of 65.

Most recent developments with cell phones have clearly focused on a younger population. Tiny multi-tasking devices that allow taking photos, downloading and listening to music, viewing video, and so forth are often more highly valued by a more youthful audience. Modern cell phones also demand excellent eye sight and fine motor skills to be able to operate them reliably. Although there are certainly many exceptions, vast numbers of older individuals either do not possess the visual and motor skills to operate such devices, are overwhelmed by the complexity, or simply do not desire the multiple functions offered on today's cell phones.

Clearly, cell phone designs should be offered to the public which are "friendly" to a broader audience. The critical functions of a cell phone are important to more than just one particular segment of the population. In this area, the cell phone industry has much work yet to accomplish, however there are some models currently available which offer at least some of the features that could be useful for older individuals.

There are a number of products on the market to boost/amplify volume. All of the major cellular providers offer individual cell phone models which are hearing aid compatible and possess speakerphone capabilities while others offer one button dialing for a handful of pre-programmed numbers. However, if the user wants more function, the screen and button size on these phones would be problematic and the phones still tend to be somewhat complex. Other models such as the Samsung t719 offer voice activated dialing but the screen and keypad are still quite small. Some retailers recommend the Firefly which is simpler and allows for one button dialing of preprogrammed and emergency numbers. However, older adults would need to overlook the bright colors, flashing lights, and glow as this cell phone is designed for young children.

Jitterbug is currently the phone that seems to offer many of the features necessary. These phones offer large buttons, easy to read text with a backlit display, louder volume, and speaker phone capabilities. Models with a regular numeric keypad or simplified one button dialing with direct access to 911 are available.

These phones have a padded ear piece to reduce outside noise and are hearing aid compatible. Voice Dialing is possible for any number in the user's phone list. Assistive services allow users to dial directly or to use operators to place calls. The phone arrives with frequently called numbers pre-programmed into it and updates to the phone list can be assisted or done independently. The phone allows users to pre-program up to 50 phone numbers.

Jitterbug service plans are affordable and simplified but still offer nationwide coverage. These phones are probably the strongest current competitor in the market for a simplified but adult appropriate cell phone. These phones are currently available online only (jitterbug.com), but offer a 30 day money back guarantee.

There is some hope that other cell phones will enter the market which will prove useful. Austrian maker Emporia for example has reportedly developed a cell phone which was also designed specifically for this population. In addition, Motorola is reported to have patented a technology that will allow an individual cell phone to detect the speech pattern of an older speaker and to automatically increase incoming and outgoing audio, increase font size, and simplify the menu without the user performing any functions. Although neither of these offerings are available at this time, it does seem that with their development and the ballooning growth of the over 65 population it is inevitable that the limited choices which exist today will expand.

About the Author

Christine Peppler believes that consumers should not have to possess a technology degree to be able to choose home electronics and entertainment devices. Take advantage of the wealth of simple to understand, useful information and shopping available on her website at http://www.homemedias.info.

Serene Innovations / High definition amplified photo phone / SI-HD-30P $57.27 Serene Innovations - High definition amplified photo phone - SI-HD-30P

Serene Innovations High Definition Amplified Photo Phone HD30P $49.63 Serene Innovations High Definition Amplified Photo Phone HD30P

Serene Amplified Talking Cordless Phone w/ Photo Speed Dials SICL60P $138.28 Serene Amplified Talking Cordless Phone w/ Photo Speed Dials SICL60P

CLARITY P300 Amplified Photo Phone $58.11 Clarity amplified corded telephone. Dial by photo (photo of person can be placed on their speed dial number button also comes with generic readytouse icons). Hearing aid compatible. 9 Photo speed dial buttons. Onetouch amplification button. Volume control switch. Volume control and amplification buttons used together can create a sound increase up to 10 times greater than normal. Automatic tone enhancement. Extra large softtouch high contrast buttons. Illuminated emergency button. Adjustable ringer tone and volume controls. Flash/hold/redial. Bright visual ringer. Bright visual amplify on ring flasher and Hold indicator on base. White with Black and white buttons.

Clarity Amplified Corded Photo Phone $39.99 Simplify receiving and making phone calls with this corded telephone that features an extra-loud ringer to get your attention and 9 programmable photo memory buttons for quick and easy dialing.

Serene Innovations HD-30P HD Amplified Photo Phone $59.99 "Serene Innovations HD-30P Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Serene Innovations HD-30P high definition amplified photo phone offers high definition sound technology for un-matched voice clarity. It makes every word vividly sharp, clear and easy to understand, all virtually without any distortion, echo or squealing sounds commonly found in other amplified pones. This phone features 9 large photo memory buttons and 2 bright visual ringers. This telephone-line powered HD-30P amplifies the incoming sound up to 20 times louder making it ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and for those who want the convenience of photo memory dialing. This hearing aid compatible phone is wall-mountable. HD-30P Features: Audio Output Jack for Connection to Assistive Listening Devices, Digital Sound Processor Design, Program Key, Extra Battery Charging Compartment in Dock, Picture Memory Amplified Corded Phone, High Definition Audio Technology, Amplified Volume - Up To 26dB, Digital Tone Setting, Hearing Aid Compatible, Wall Mountable/Mount Included, 9 Programmable Photo-Dial Memory Buttons, Handset Volume Control, Handset Ringer Volume Control, Visual Ringer, One-Touch Speed Dial, Redial, Hold, Pause, Flash"

Clarity / AMPLIFIED PHONE / C1000 $41.43 Clarity - AMPLIFIED PHONE - C1000

RCA Amplified Big Button Picture Phone. Each $38.94 Manufacturer: RCA. Each. RCA amplified corded speakerphone Amplified handset volume Amplified speakerphone Audio tone adjustment Amplified ringer 4 One touch photo memory buttons Extra large keypad Enhanced visual ringer Hearing aid compatible 1 Year limi

ClearSounds Amplified Spirit Phone $62.85 - 108 dB SPL amplification with full range tone control - Full duplex speakerphone in base - 8 photo frame buttons for easy one-touch dialing - 85 dB adjustable ringer and bright visual ringer - Single-line phone - Big button easy-to-read keypad - 8 one-t

Clearsounds Amplified Spirit Phone Single-Line 8 Photo Frame Buttons CSC500 $66.23 Clearsounds Amplified Spirit Phone Single-Line 8 Photo Frame Buttons CSC500

Clarity Amplified Cordless Picture Phone. Each $69.24 Manufacturer: Clarity. Each. Clarity amplified cordless big button phone with PicturePerfect photo dialing 30dB of Clarity Power amplification DECT 6.0 technology Adjustable tone control 4 Photo dial buttons Easy-to-read caller ID display Extra large back

Clearsounds Csc500 Amplified Spirit Phone $89.99 FEATURES 108 dB SPL amplification with full range tone control Full duplex speakerphone in base 8 photo frame buttons for easy one-touch dialing 85 dB adjustable ringer and bright visual ringer Single-line phone Big button easy-to-read keypad 8 one-touch photo memory dial buttons 3 one-touch memory dial buttons Hi, Lo, Off ringer volume control 2.5mm headset jack Last number redial Touch-tone dialing Mute/Flash buttons Table/wall convertible Hearing Aid Compatible Eco-Friendly Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Daily Living Aids , Hearing Assistance , Amplified Phones

ClearSounds Amplified CSC1000 Freedom Phone $232.67 Amplified FreedomTalk phone helps you overcome hearing and vision challengesHearing assistant announces the caller's number in a clear voice and displays it on a large backlit screenPhone features an oversized, talking keypad that confirms each key you pressEight photo dial buttons for 1-touch calling Simple digital answering machine functionality makes message playback loud and clear55+ dB amplificationClearDigital full digital powerTone/pitch controlAmplified digital answering machineTalking caller IDTalking keypadFull duplex speakerphoneExtra loud ringer (Hi, Med, Lo) Adjustable ring tonesFlashing ring signalerBig button dialing with backlit keypadEight 1-touch photo memory dial buttonsOne 1-touch emergency dial buttonOne 1-touch voice mail dial buttonOptional vibrating pad offers silent ring signalingLast number redialMuteWall mountableHearing Aid compatibleFSA Eligible with a Physician's letter

Clarity P400 Amplified Big Button Picture Phone $64.99 "Ameriphone P400 Picture Phone Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Ameriphone P400 Picture Phone Amplified Phone features Clarity Power technology which makes sound not only louder, but also clearer and easier to understand. With up to 26 decibels of amplification and PicturePerfect dialing, the Ameriphone P400 Picture Phone is an ideal solution for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss or low vision. You can dial a number simply by pressing a picture. The Ameriphone P400 Picture Phone has 9 programmable photo-dial memory buttons, which makes dialing easy and fun. The Ameriphone P400 Picture Phone also features a visual ringer, tone/pulse dialing, redial, hold and flash. The Ameriphone P400 Picture Phone is hearing aid compatible. P400 Features: Designed w/ the Whole Family in Mind, Picture Memory Amplified Corded Phone, Digital Clarity Power Technology -Increases Volume for Soft Sounds -Decreases Volume for Loud Sounds, Amplified Volume - Up To 26dB, Hearing Aid Compatible, Large, High Contrast Keypad, 9 Programmable Photo-Dial Memory Buttons, Adjustable Ringer / Volume Control, Loud Adjustable Ringer Volume Control, Visual Ringer, Tone / Pulse Dialing, Redial, Hold, Flash"

Serene Innovations HD40S Amplified Picture Phone $107.99 "Serene Innovations HD-40S Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Serene Innovations HD40S high definition amplified photo phone offers high definition sound technology for un-matched voice clarity. It makes every word vividly sharp, clear and easy to understand, all virtually without any distortion, echo or squealing sounds commonly found in other amplified pones. This phone features 9 large photo memory buttons and 2 bright visual ringers. The HD40S amplifies the outgoing voice up to 40dB and incoming voices can be easily set to amplify up to 18dB. HD40S Features: Audio Output Jack for Connection to Assistive Listening Devices, Digital Sound Processor Design, Program Key, Extra Battery Charging Compartment in Dock, Picture Memory Amplified Corded Phone, High Definition Audio Technology, Amplified Volume - Up To 40dB, Digital Tone Setting, Hearing Aid Compatible, 9 Programmable Photo-Dial Memory Buttons, Handset Volume Control, Handset Ringer Volume Control, Visual Ringer, One-Touch Speed Dial, Redial, Hold, Pause, Flash"

Clarity / AMPLIFIED TRIMLINE PHONE / C200 $39.59 Clarity - AMPLIFIED TRIMLINE PHONE - C200

Clarity / AMPLIFIED CORDED PHONE / 51000.101 $42.29 Clarity - AMPLIFIED CORDED PHONE - 51000.101

Clarity / AMPLIFIED CORDLESS PHONE / 53702 $62.93 Clarity - AMPLIFIED CORDLESS PHONE - 53702

Clarity D722 D722 Amplified Cordless Photo Button Phone $89.99 "Clarity D722 Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Clarity D722 DECT 6.0 cordless amplified big button phone with photo dialing uses DCP and 30 decibels of intelligent amplification to make conversations louder and clearer. The Clarity D722 Phone is an ideal solution for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss or low vision. This model features adjustable tone control that provide a customized listening experience. Its other features include easy to read caller ID display, extra large backlit buttons and also full-duplex speakerphone in handset. D722 Features: DECT 6.0 Technology (1.9GHz) Interference-Free & Wide Range 30 more Battery life, Caller ID, Digital Clarity Power Technology -Increases Volume for Soft Sounds -Decreases Volume for Loud Sounds, Amplified Volume - Up To 30dB, Amplified Ringer, Expandable Up To 5 Handsets, Hearing Aid Compatible, Handset Speakerphone, Backlit LCD Display, Large Illuminated Keypad, 4 Programmable Photo-Dial Memory Buttons, Speed Dial, Adjustable Ringer Volume Control, Bright Visual Ringer, Clock Display, 2.5mm Headset Jack, Belt Clip - Included w/ Brand New Models"

Serene Innovations HD-40P HD Amplified Speaker Phone $74.99 "Serene Innovations HD-40P Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Serene Innovations HD-40P amplified photo phone with speakerphone features 9 easy-to-use photo memory buttons and high-definition sound technology for un-matched voice clarity. It makes every word vividly sharp, clear and easy to understand, all virtually without any distortion, echo or squealing. With its high performance speakerphone and powerful 30 dB amplification, the phone line-powered HD40P is ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, and for those who would benefit from the ease and convenience of photo dialing and hands-free operation. This hearing aid compatible phone is wall-mountable. HD-40P Features: Digital Sound Processor Design, Program Key, Picture Memory Amplified Corded Phone, High Definition Audio Technology, Amplified Volume - Up To 26dB, Digital Tone Setting, Hearing Aid Compatible, Wall Mountable/Mount Included, Speakerphone, Music On Hold Compatible, 9 Programmable Photo-Dial Memory Buttons, Handset Volume Control, Handset Ringer Volume Control, Visual Ringer, Tone / Pulse Dialing, One-Touch Speed Dial, Redial, Hold, Pause, Flash"

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Clarity-P300 - 76593 Amplified Photo Phone White $53.45 [CLARITY-P300] UPC: 759599765936 12.25L x 10.25W x 2.75H 3.2 LB

Clearsounds A100 Amplified Handset Amplified Cordless Phone CSA100 $65.89 Clearsounds A100 Amplified Handset Amplified Cordless Phone CSA100

Ameriphone P300 Amplified Corded Phone $49.99 Body Color: White Speakerphone: Yes Volume Control: Yes Ringer Control: Yes Additional Features: Clarity Power technology Nine programmable photo memory buttons make dialing easy Amplify incoming sound up to 18 dB Adjustable incoming volume control Bright visual ring indicator Up to 75dB extra loud ringer Hearing Aid Compatible Large, easy-to-use keypad Hold, Flash, Program and Redial buttons Speed Dial Memory: 9 Placing / Mounting: Table-top; Wall-mountable Dimensions: 9.5" x 7" x 3.3"

Amplified Corded Phone $35.28 - GE Big button amplified corded telephone- Amplified volume up to 40dB (max output up to 104dB SPL)- Amplifiedbase speakerphone allows for amplified hands-freecommunication - Amplified ringer up to 90db allows for extra loud notification of incoming call

Dect 6.0 Amplified Phone $92.99 CLARITY 50615 DECT 6.0 CORDLESS AMPLIFIED PHONE WITH CLARITY POWER™ & CALL WAITING CALLER ID (INCLUDES DIGITAL ANSWERING MACHINE)

Clear Sounds CLSCSC1000 55Db Amplified Freedom Phone $222.24 If you have special needs this special phone system is the ultimate answer. CSC1000 helps you overcome hearing and vision challenges. Want to know who s calling Caller ID announces the number in a clear voice and displays it on a large backlit screen. Need to be sure you re dialing correctly An oversized talking keypad confirms each key you press. The system features eight photo dial buttons so you don t even need to know the numbers of your friends and relatives. Just press a familiar face. If you want to be sure you don t miss your messages the system s simple digital answering machine functionality makes message playback loud and clear. And if you want to be sure your home or office is equipped with the ultimate communication system just look at the big bold feature set only CSC1000. Up to 5055 dB amplification. ClearDigital Full Digital Power. Tone/pitch control. Amplified digital answering machine. Talking Caller ID. Talking Keypad. Full duplex speakerphone. Extra loud ringer (Hi Med Lo). Adjustable ring tones. Flashing ring signaler. Big button dialing with backlit keypad. 8 onetouch photo memory dial buttons. 1 onetouch emergency dial button. 1 onetouch voice mail dial button. Optional vibrating pad offers silent ring signaling. Last number redial. Mute. Wall mountable. Hearing Aid compatible.

Clarity / DECT 6.0 AMPLIFIED PHONE / 50615 $88.52 Clarity - DECT 6.0 AMPLIFIED PHONE - 50615

Clear Sounds / Amplified Spirit Phone / CSC500 $72.39 Clear Sounds - Amplified Spirit Phone - CSC500

Future-Call / CrystalTone 40dB Amplified Phone / FC-80395 $63.55 Future-Call - CrystalTone 40dB Amplified Phone - FC-80395

Future-Call / 40dB Amplified Phone with Speakerphone / 2646 $47.58 Future-Call - 40dB Amplified Phone with Speakerphone - 2646

Clear Sounds / 55dB Amplified Freedom Phone / CSC1000 $133.77 Clear Sounds - 55dB Amplified Freedom Phone - CSC1000

Clear Sounds / Amplified Cordless Phone / CS-A100 $68.97 Clear Sounds - Amplified Cordless Phone - CS-A100

Clarity / Amplified Cordless Picture Phone / D722 $76.7 Clarity - Amplified Cordless Picture Phone - D722

Clarity / DECT 6.0 AMPLIFIED PHONE / 50603 $59.27 Clarity - DECT 6.0 AMPLIFIED PHONE - 50603

Fanstel / EzPro T44 44dB Amplified Phone / T44B $44.15 Fanstel - EzPro T44 44dB Amplified Phone - T44B