Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Hearing Loss, Tested and Reviewed in 2024
The best cell phones for those with hearing loss scored well in every testing category, including hearing-aid compatibility, loud speakers, and accessibility features.
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- Costs $429
- M3/T4 compatibility rating
- High-volume speakers
- Costs $79.99
- M4/T4 compatibility rating
- Crisp, clear speaker
- Costs $119.99
- M3/T4 compatibility rating
- Crisp, clear speaker
- M4/T4 compatibility rating
- Flip phone design with smartphone features
- Affordable price
- Extensive accessibility features
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Large screen
Our tech experts created a list of the best cell phones for seniors with hearing loss based on extensive research and hands-on testing.
Our tech experts created a list of the best cell phones for seniors with hearing loss based on extensive research and hands-on testing.
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If you have hearing loss, there are several factors to consider when shopping for a cell phone — from useful accessibility features to hearing-aid compatibility. As SeniorLiving.org’s resident tech expert, I’ve tested dozens of phones and hearing aids. From my experience, I know not all phones are created equal for people with hearing loss. For this guide, I spent over 100 hours testing some of the best cell phones for seniors to find the top picks for those with hearing loss.
One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Fip2
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 flip 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
Our Methodology: How We Chose and Tested the Best Cell Phones for People With Hearing Loss
Like roughly one-third of seniors, my grandma has hearing loss.1 She uses hearing aids, so I understand the importance of finding a phone with features for seniors with hearing loss. I researched and tested multiple cell phones to find the best options for older adults with a range of needs, preferences, and budgets. I spent over 100 hours testing the phones and taking notes on my experience, from call quality to useful features to hearing-aid compatibility. I also recruited my grandma to help me try out the phones whenever possible.
At a minimum, I looked for phones that could provide all of the following:
- Hearing-aid compatibility: Most modern phones have some degree of compatibility with hearing aids via a Bluetooth connection, but each phone has different capabilities. Not all phones that are “hearing-aid compatible” will work with every hearing-aid model on the market.
- Loud speaker: Whether or not you use hearing aids, having a strong, loud speaker is a great way to ensure you can hear calls, watch videos, and listen to music clearly.
- Haptic notifications: Haptic notifications allow your phone to buzz or vibrate so you can feel calls, texts, and other notifications even if you can’t hear them.
I also looked for phones that offer one or more advanced features for hearing-impaired seniors.
- Customizable audio: This is a great feature that’s available with many modern phones. It allows you to customize how you hear things through your phone. Mono audio, for example, will ensure that the left and right speakers play the same content, while background noise control can help you mask unwanted noise in your environment.
- Teletypewriter (TTY) support: TTY devices can turn voice calls and messages into live text, and vice versa.
- Real-time text (RTT) support: RTT lets the user text with a person on the other end of a call. That allows them to take advantage of speech and text communication simultaneously. Essentially, it means you can use voice-to-text and text-to-voice while you’re on a phone call.
- Live captions and transcriptions: Live captions and transcriptions automatically provide text for audio emitted from the device. Transcriptions do the same thing for audio that originates from the environment around your phone.
My grandma and I compared various cell phones and considered factors such as usability, carriers, features, pricing, coverage, and more to craft our list of the best cell phones for hearing-impaired seniors. I’ll get into the details below!
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1. iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular - Best compact smartphone for hearing-impaired seniors
What we like most
- Costs $429
- M3/T4 compatibility rating
- High-volume speakers
iPhone SE from Consumer CellularOverview:The iPhone SE, originally released in 2016, has become one of the most dependable and loved iPhone models. It has a host of advanced features, but I’ve found that navigating the SE is an intuitive and seamless experience for any user — especially if you have hearing loss. With a 4-inch screen, it is one of the most compact smartphones on the market. I enjoyed surfing the web, watching videos, and using my favorite apps without the hassle of carrying a big, bulky phone.
» You Might Like: Best 5G Phones for Seniors
The SE has a solid 12 MP camera and voice-assistant features, but it made this list because it’s very easy to use for people with hearing loss. Not only does it have great sound quality, but it’s also compatible with large hearing-aid manufacturers. The SE is compatible with any Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aids. Plus, the iOS app store offers several hearing-aid apps that allow you to adjust your hearing aids directly from your iPhone.
Pros & Cons:Pros About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- Ample audio customization and accessibility features
- Clear and loud audio speakers
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- RTT/TTY support
- Crisp HD display for easy reading
- 12MP wide camera
- 5G ready
- Intuitive interface
- Water- and dust-resistant
- 4K video streaming
Cons About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- No headphone jack
- Smaller screen (4 inches)
- Not as advanced as more expensive iPhones
Summary:Hearing-Aid Compatibility
The iPhone SE has M3/T4 hearing-aid compatibility. That means it’s compatible with most hearing aids in microphone mode, and virtually all industry-standard hearing aids in telecoil mode. The iPhone SE will work with the majority of hearing aids with minimal interference.
» Useful Resource: Best Hearing Aids in 2024
I tested the iPhone SE with a pair of Jabra Enhance hearing aids. The entire Jabra Enhance line of hearing aids is MFi. I found the devices easy to set up with the iPhone SE, and the sound was crystal clear. I tried the phone’s unique Hearing Aid Compatibility feature with the hearing aids. The feature theoretically improves sound quality when connected to MFi devices, but I didn’t notice a major difference when the setting was turned on.
Speaker Quality and Sound Customization
My grandma was really happy with the sound quality of the iPhone SE. She initially assumed the speaker wouldn’t be all that powerful, because the device was much smaller than other smartphones she’d used. She was pleasantly surprised at how loud the speaker worked when we did a test call with the speaker mode enabled. We did notice some minor “clipping” when I spoke loudly into the phone. Clipping happens when the sound input is too loud for the receiving phone’s speaker and ends up getting distorted. We didn’t have that issue with the more robust iPhone 13.
The iPhone SE has many built-in features for optimizing audio. Some of the most useful accessibility features for the hearing impaired include RTT/TTY support and live captions. To enable those features, I clicked the Settings icon, selected Accessibility, and scrolled down to the Hearing section for various options.
One feature I really liked was Sound Recognition. It enables the iPhone SE to constantly listen for recognizable sounds in your environment, such as a person speaking or an alarm going off. The only downside is that it drains the battery pretty quickly, since it constantly runs in the background when enabled.
Using the iPhone's accessibility features for those with hearing impairments
Those features are not completely unique to the iPhone SE, since any iPhone that can run iOS 16 or later has live captions, RTT/TTY support, and various sound-control features for the hearing impaired. Still, the features were easy to use and very helpful!
Pricing
Consumer Cellular’s plans and iPhone prices are flexible and affordable. A new 64 GB iPhone SE costs $429. You can also spread out your costs with $17 monthly installments. Most Consumer Cellular plans are cheaper than the country’s largest providers, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Mint Mobile.
Consumer Cellular’s plans are affordable, starting at $20 for 1 GB of data and unlimited talk and text. Plans range up to $50 for an unlimited talk, text, and data plan. Lively’s Basic unlimited plan costs $49.99 with the Jitterbug Smart4, so the two carriers are pretty comparable. There are four data plans to choose from, so you can find one that meets your needs and budget. I appreciate this variety of options!
» Learn More: Consumer Cellular Review
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2. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively - Best flip phone for hearing-impaired seniors
What we like most
- Costs $79.99
- M4/T4 compatibility rating
- Crisp, clear speaker
Jitterbug Flip2 from LivelyOverview:Overview
Want to stay in touch with your loved ones without worrying about complicated smartphone technology? The Jitterbug Flip2 is a great option to consider! It’s reasonably priced, easy to use, and comes with many health and safety features.
» Dive Deeper: Jitterbug Flip2 Review
During testing, I found that the Jitterbug Flip2 has a simple and practical design. In addition to useful features, the flip phone doubles as a medical alert device. Lively has a team of agents who can send help after a fall or emergency 24/7. All I had to do was press the large Urgent Response button on the keyboard. After about 15 seconds, I was connected to a helpful agent. People with hearing loss are at higher risk of falling, so medical alert features like this are important.
That’s just one of the many health and safety features the Jitterbug Flip2 offers. There are also on-call nurses, concierge services, and caregiver tracking through the Lively mobile app. The features are unique; you won’t find them with the other carriers on our list. You’ll also find them only with Lively’s Preferred and Premium phone plans.
The Lively Flip keypad and Urgent Response button
Even if you’re not the most tech-savvy person, you’ll be able to use the Jitterbug Flip2 with ease. It may not have all the bells and whistles of a smartphone like the iPhone 13, but that’s kind of the point. Unlike the TCL FLIP Go, the Jitterbug Flip2 is specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Loud speaker
- Hearing aid compatibility rating M4/T4
- Standard headphone jack
- Doubles as a medical alert device with certain plans
- Large buttons
- Intuitive menus
- Straightforward usability
Cons About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Speaker quality could be improved
- Cannot use apps to control hearing-aid settings
- Relatively few sound-customization options
Summary:Hearing-Aid Compatibility
The Jitterbug Flip2 has M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility, which is the highest possible rating. That means you can use virtually any Bluetooth-ready hearing aid with the device. The Jitterbug Flip2 is one of the only phones with an M4/T4 rating on our list (along with the TCL FLIP Go). That makes it an excellent choice for people who use the telecoil settings on their hearing aids or prefer using their phone in microphone mode.
Pro Tip: Find out why the Lively Flip2 made our list of the best flip phones for seniors!
I tested the Jitterbug Flip2 with MDHearing’s Neo XS hearing aids, and it performed admirably. The simple list-style menu made it easy to set up the hearing aids via Bluetooth. My grandma was impressed that the sound came through without any problems. I liked that, unlike the iPhone SE and iPhone 13, the Jitterbug Flip2 has a standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, which means I could listen to music using wireless hearing aids or wired headphones.
» Related Reading: MDHearing Review
Speaker Quality and Sound Customization
The speaker on the Jitterbug Flip2 is loud, but we experienced issues with clipping. My grandma complained that the audio would often sound muffled or distorted when things got too loud. She had to adjust the volume level constantly to hear things clearly. Fortunately, adjusting the volume is as easy as clicking the up and down arrows on the keypad. The sound distortion didn’t usually occur when we did test calls with “normal” volume levels. It happened when there was a lot of background noise or I tried to speak more loudly on the call.
The Jitterbug Flip2 has built-in RTT support, but you’ll need a separate device if you want to enjoy TTY features. I could easily use voice-to-text and text-to-voice communication, but I couldn’t enjoy live captions, transcriptions, or other features that can be extremely useful for hearing-impaired seniors.
Pricing
The Jitterbug Flip2 retails for $79.99, plus shipping and activation fees. The phone used to cost $99.99, so I appreciate this price decrease, making it even more affordable for seniors. 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 per month.
Lively highly recommends adding one of those plans because it allows older adults to use the medical alert feature, which covers you in emergencies when you may need to call for medical help. The health and safety features gave me peace of mind, knowing my grandma would quickly receive help after a fall or other emergency.
Check out the video below to learn more about our experience with the Jitterbug Flip2.
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3. Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Best smartphone for hearing-impaired seniors
What we like most
- Costs $119.99
- M3/T4 compatibility rating
- Crisp, clear speaker
Jitterbug Smart4 from LivelyOverview:Overview
The Jitterbug Smart4 is a smartphone designed specifically for older adults. With a large display, front-facing speakers, and affordable price tag, seniors with hearing loss can get everything they need without breaking the bank. Similar to the Jitterbug Flip2, I could use the phone as a medical alert device, thanks to the Urgent Response button.
The Jitterbug Smart4 is a simple yet powerful device packed with health and safety services. If you’re looking for some added protection and you don’t want a traditional medical alert system, the Smart4 is a great alternative. The phone offers a list-style menu and simple interface that make staying connected a breeze. My grandma could navigate the phone without any instruction. No complicated features here!
» Learn About: Best Medical Alert Systems in 2024
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- M3/T4 hearing-aid compatibility rating
- Headphone jack
- Voice typing
- Large 6.75-inch screen
- No annual contracts
- No cancellation fees
- Reasonably priced talk, text, and data plans
- Video chat
Cons About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Internet connection may be a bit slow
- Limited sound-customization options
Summary:Hearing-Aid Compatibility
The Jitterbug Smart4 has M3/T4 hearing-aid compatibility, which is a small step down from the Jitterbug Flip2’s M4/T4 rating. I was disappointed to see that, since it’s essentially a more enhanced version of the Jitterbug Flip2. Nonetheless, as long as your hearing aids are Bluetooth-ready, they will likely work with the Jitterbug Smart4. Even if you have basic hearing aids that are not Bluetooth-enabled, there’s a chance you can connect them to the Smart4 and other smartphones. You’ll just need to contact the manufacturer to learn how.
My grandma and I tested the Jitterbug Smart4’s hearing-aid compatibility with Jabra Enhance and MDHearing devices. Since the Jitterbug Smart4 runs on Android operating systems, you can download apps to help you connect your hearing aids via the Google Play Store. You can also try to connect your hearing aids directly via the Bluetooth settings. We found both options pretty straightforward, and the sound quality was great with both hearing-aid models.
» Also Check Out: Best Android-Compatible Hearing Aids
Speaker Quality and Sound Customization
The front-facing speaker on the Jitterbug Smart4 is very loud and clear. The sound isn’t quite as clear as the iPhone 13’s speakers, but it still has ample volume and crisp audio. That made it easier for my grandma to enjoy calls and music, with or without her hearing aids.
One downside to the Jitterbug Smart4 is the lack of audio-customization options. Unlike the iPhones on this list, the Jitterbug Smart4 doesn’t have the option to identify familiar sounds in your environment or ensure the right and left speakers deliver the same sound. Like the Jitterbug Flip2, it also lacks built-in TTY support. It has live captioning, however, which is a great way for deaf or hearing-impaired seniors to get audio-to-text captioning while making calls or watching videos.
My grandma making a call on the Jitterbug Smart4
Pricing
The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $119.99, plus monthly plan and activation fees. Monthly costs will vary depending on the plan you choose. Lively’s phone plans range from $19.99 to $49.99 per month. You must also add a data plan, which starts at $0 for 1 GB and goes up to $30 per month for unlimited data. All in all, Lively’s plan pricing is pretty budget-friendly.
Money-Saving Tip: Lively runs frequent promotions alongside its Jitterbug phones. Right now, you can save $5 a month on any Lively plan for your first three months!
If you want all the features the Smart4 has to offer plus unlimited data, things get pricey at $79.99 per month. For comparison, AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan starts at $60 for one line. You’ll receive unlimited talk, text, and data with AT&T’s plan, but it doesn’t offer any health and safety features like Lively does. Along with assessing your budget, you’ll need to decide which features are most important to you.
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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
Overview:
TCL Flip
Overview
The TCL Flip Go from T-Mobile is one of my top picks for people with hearing loss who want an affordable, easy-to-use cell phone. At $96, it’s one of the most inexpensive phones with an M4/T4 rating I’ve seen. It also has minimal extra fees and affordable monthly financing options. It’s a good choice even if you’re on a tight budget.
Along with the budget-friendly price, the TCL Flip Go is easy to use. It has a large keypad, a simple menu, and shortcuts to your favorite mobile apps. It’s also Bluetooth-compatible if you use Bluetooth hearing aids. Overall, the T-Mobile TCL Flip Go is a good option for people with hearing loss who are on a budget.
» Related Reading: The Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Pros & Cons:Pros About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- M4/T4 Rating
- RTT support
- Inexpensive phone
- Simple design
- Mobile apps
- Large keypad
- Affordable talk, text, and data plans with T-Mobile
Cons About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- Speaker could be better
- 2MP camera won’t be as high quality as other options
Summary:Hearing-Aid Compatibility
I’m a big fan of the TCL Flip Go’s M4/T4 rating. It’s the highest possible rating for hearing aid–compatible phones. The only other phone on our list with that rating is the Jitterbug Flip2. Whether you have mild or severe hearing loss, the phone should suit your needs. I tested it with compatible hearing aids and had zero problems with the setup or overall sound quality. Like the Flip2, the TCL Flip Go has a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, making it easier for seniors with hearing issues — but not necessarily hearing aids — to enjoy clearer audio through wired headphones.
Speaker Quality and Sound Customization
When it comes to budget-friendly phones, you often have to make some sacrifices. The TCL Flip Go is a great all-around phone. It’s perfect for seniors with hearing aids, but the speaker quality is not stellar. You can turn up the volume very high in the settings (not as convenient as the up and down arrows on the Jitterbug Flip2), but I experienced issues with clipping while testing the speaker.
It’s a pretty basic flip phone, so you don’t get much in the way of sound customization. You can change the volume, and that’s about it. The TCL Flip Go has built-in RTT support, however, so you can enjoy text communications during calls. If you need TTY or more enhanced audio capabilities, it may not be the best phone for you.
Pricing
The TCL Flip Go costs just $96 if you pay for the phone up front. If you’re on a tight budget, T-Mobile offers monthly financing options. T-Mobile also limits the up-front costs, so you won’t have a ton of extra fees tacked on. T-Mobile’s plan pricing is competitive, offering three affordable 55-plus Unlimited plans that are packed with perks. I really enjoy the plans’ in-flight Wi-Fi and coverage abroad, which is perfect for seniors who love to travel. Prices start at $45 per month for those plans. That’s $5 cheaper than Consumer Cellular’s prices for an unlimited talk, text, and data plan.
» You Might Like: T-Mobile 55+ 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:Overview
As a long-term iPhone user, I know Apple makes it a breeze for people to stay connected even if they have hearing loss. The iPhone 13 supports RTT and TTY phone calls without the need for TTY hardware. If you have MFi hearing aids, you can easily personalize sound settings and have great conversations, even in loud places.
Using an iPhone on T-Mobile's service
In addition to seeing alerts on the phone’s screen, Apple allows users to feel (via haptic vibration) whenever a call, text, email, calendar event, or other notification arrives. I could even turn on a bright LED light flash for my alerts in the phone’s accessibility settings. Those features are excellent for seniors with hearing loss who may not hear the phone ring or make an alert sound.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Apple iPhone 12 (Multiple Carriers)
- Hearing aid compatibility rated M3/T4
- Enhanced sound customization
- RTT/TTY support
- 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
Summary:Hearing-Aid Compatibility
Like the iPhone SE, the iPhone 13 has an M3/T4 hearing-aid compatibility rating. You can connect your hearing aids via Bluetooth or, in some cases, via the manufacturer’s mobile app. Either way, the iPhone 13 is a solid choice if you already have Bluetooth hearing aids and want a phone that will work with most models.
» Related Reading: How to pair your hearing aids with your iPhone
We tested the iPhone 13 with hearing aids from Jabra Enhance and MDHearing. My grandma and I were very pleased with the experience of setting up the hearing aids and testing the sound quality. The process was easy, since it can be done straight from the settings menu, just like with the iPhone SE. My grandma never had any issues with the sound or connection quality.
Speaker Quality and Sound Customization
The iPhone 13’s speakers are excellent. It features two separate speakers — one on the top front and one on the side bottom. I could hear the speaker well from virtually every angle. I could also do a lot of customization with the iPhone 13 by enabling RTT/TTY, live captions, headphone accommodations, background noise masking, mono audio, closed captions, and audio transcriptions. The features are all conveniently located in the iPhone’s Accessibility settings. I tapped the Settings icon, and then scrolled down and tapped the Accessibility button. I then scrolled to the Hearing section, where all the features were clearly listed.
Using the iPhone's RTT/TTY settings
The one downside to the iPhone 13, iPhone SE, or any recent iPhone model is the lack of a headphone jack. You can still connect headphones via Bluetooth, but there’s no option for wired headphones. If you’re a fan of traditional wired headphones or you use a separate TTY device, it’s something to consider.
Pricing
The iPhone 13 retails for about $599 for 128 GB of storage or $899 for the 512 GB model. Data and phone plan pricing will vary depending on which carrier you choose. You can purchase the iPhone 13 from your local Apple store, Apple’s website, Best Buy, or carriers such as 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 your new iPhone.
I appreciate the flexibility of being available from multiple carriers. The Jitterbug phones on our list, for comparison, are compatible only with Lively’s phone plans. That locks you into one carrier. If you already have a carrier you love, you can purchase an iPhone without switching plans.
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.
The iPhone 13 is a high-tech smartphone with a stunning design. I love that it has plenty of accessibility features, but it doesn’t come at the expense of usability. It’s easy to use and has a great speaker for people with hearing loss. Just keep in mind that it comes at a much higher price point than the Jitterbug Smart4 or iPhone SE.
There are several newer iPhone models on the market, but I often recommend slightly older versions like the SE or 13. They still offer all the accessibility features people with hearing loss need, but at a more affordable price point. The phone is still advanced, and it doesn’t feel outdated.
What Should I Look For in a Cell Phone for Hearing-Impaired Seniors?
Seniors with hearing loss will need a cell phone that offers hearing-aid compatibility. That will ensure you won’t run into any issues with feedback and static when talking on the phone. If you only have mild hearing loss and you don’t wear hearing aids yet, still consider 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 people with hearing loss.
Loud Speaker
A quality, loud speaker will go a long way toward ensuring you can easily listen and chat with others on the phone. It’s very important if you are starting to have trouble hearing, but you don’t yet need hearing aids.
Large Screen With Bright Display
Not only is a larger screen 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
Running out of power while you’re out and about should be the least of your worries. Using accessibility features can drain the battery faster, so a reliable battery is essential. Check out a phone’s estimated battery life before purchasing.
Durable Construction
Cell phones should be built to withstand everyday splashes and bumps so you can focus on more important things.
GPS Capability
If you frequently get disoriented or lost, GPS navigation will come in handy. It can provide turn-by-turn directions wherever you go.
Risk-Free Trial
When purchasing a cell phone, it’s a good idea to ask about the return policy and whether there is a free-trial period so you can test the phone without fully committing right off the bat.
American Academy of Audiology. (2023). Seniors and Hearing Loss.
NIH. (2020). The Effects of Hearing Loss on Balance: A Critical Review.