Got my parents new phones this week. Previously they had the at&t v-tech phones purchased at walleys. They could barely see the number pad, black on silver is fine for most people, they needed help. They couldn’t see the screen or the labels on the other buttons at all. They couldn’t hear very well when trying to talk to someone either.
The new phones are much better so far. The contrast of colors make every thing more visible. The printing is white on black and backlit around the sides, not from behind like the v-techs, much better.
The screen is the same size but the the lettering is much bigger and easier to read. The volume is controlled two ways. The volume is set via the menu like normal phones. There is a volume control on the side to change volume on the fly that is far more visible. There is also a boost feature at the bottom of the keypad. The boost is like volume on steroids. It’s very loud, up to 60db.
The speaker and intercom options are also easily accessible. Getting mom and dad to understand how to use them is another matter. But, it’s a step in the right direction.
It also has a ‘slow talk’ button. This slows the voice of the person calling. I’ll have to get my niece up here to test it calling from my phone (different land line). So I can't say how well this works.
The base unit has the same visibility advantages as the hand sets. Same easy to see and use buttons. The feature that’s really nice is the base and handsets have a red light that flashes when someone calls. They also flash when the locator button is pressed so there’s audio and visual help in locating the handsets.
Purchasing was a bit complicated. The base came with one handset for around $120. The second handset has a different model number but is identical and works seamlessly with the other handset and base. Purchased together was $190.
Or….
Purchase the base with 4 handsets, all the same model number for $375. My folks didn’t need 4 handsets. That hurdle aside I’m satisfied with the purchase at $190. Everything works so far.
I’m sure there are more advanced phone systems for the visually or hearing impaired with a corresponding price. If this system doesn’t have longevity that might be the route I have to go in the future.
There are several other options in the setup that I haven’t tried yet, call blocking, speed dial etc. Most of those things are beyond my parents anyway, at least of now. I’ll post back if there are any problems down the road.
Bright flashing red lights when the phones ring or the locator button is pressed.
The new phones are much better so far. The contrast of colors make every thing more visible. The printing is white on black and backlit around the sides, not from behind like the v-techs, much better.
The screen is the same size but the the lettering is much bigger and easier to read. The volume is controlled two ways. The volume is set via the menu like normal phones. There is a volume control on the side to change volume on the fly that is far more visible. There is also a boost feature at the bottom of the keypad. The boost is like volume on steroids. It’s very loud, up to 60db.
The speaker and intercom options are also easily accessible. Getting mom and dad to understand how to use them is another matter. But, it’s a step in the right direction.
It also has a ‘slow talk’ button. This slows the voice of the person calling. I’ll have to get my niece up here to test it calling from my phone (different land line). So I can't say how well this works.
The base unit has the same visibility advantages as the hand sets. Same easy to see and use buttons. The feature that’s really nice is the base and handsets have a red light that flashes when someone calls. They also flash when the locator button is pressed so there’s audio and visual help in locating the handsets.
Purchasing was a bit complicated. The base came with one handset for around $120. The second handset has a different model number but is identical and works seamlessly with the other handset and base. Purchased together was $190.
Or….
Purchase the base with 4 handsets, all the same model number for $375. My folks didn’t need 4 handsets. That hurdle aside I’m satisfied with the purchase at $190. Everything works so far.
I’m sure there are more advanced phone systems for the visually or hearing impaired with a corresponding price. If this system doesn’t have longevity that might be the route I have to go in the future.
There are several other options in the setup that I haven’t tried yet, call blocking, speed dial etc. Most of those things are beyond my parents anyway, at least of now. I’ll post back if there are any problems down the road.
Bright flashing red lights when the phones ring or the locator button is pressed.
