We didn't think that a phone receiver could really help someone who is hard of hearing until we tried the Ameriphone XL-50.

It is designed to help someone with moderate to severe hearing loss. The phone looks a lot like a normal touchtone phone, with a handset and push buttons. The buttons are larger than most (easy to push), with large, backlit numbers that are easy to read. On the side of the phone is a lever, which can be used to adjust the clarity of the sound. (A VERY nice feature.)

The main feature of the phone is the voice amplifier. This unit increases incoming sounds up to 48 decibels for extra loud and clear conversations. The amplifier can be set to automatically turn on when you lift the handset. Or it can be turned on manually by pushing the big blue button on the front of the panel. Activating it manually is better if the phone is used by several people--some that have normal hearing and some that are hard of hearing.

Other features:
-Digital design minimizes background noise and increases speech clarity.
-It has an extra bright ring flasher and extra loud ringer (tone is adjustable)
-Voice mail indicator to let you know you have messages.
-Missed call indicator lets you know if you missed a call
-Speed dialing
-Redial, hold
-Can be mounted on a desk or wall
-Audio output jack, which can be hooked to an optional accessory that allows you to connect to a hearing aid (though a sales clerk we talked to found the hearing aid accessory of questionable effectiveness). The jack can also be used for a headset.

We got one for our mother, who lives in another state. She was a little intimidated about hooking it up and made a friend do it (though I think it only needed to be plugged in), but she seems to really like it. She seems to have a much easier time understanding us and I think our phone calls have been more enjoyable. She says that her friends say that her outgoing calls are louder and clearer, which (considering the hearing of her friends) is a definite plus. She likes the large buttons and the overall simplicity of the phone.

Her phone was such a success that we recommended it to a friend, who was trying to think of a good gift for her parents. She got the XL-30, which is similar to the XL-50, but less powerful, increasing incoming sounds up to 30 db. It's about $30 cheaper and also intended for those with moderate to severe hearing loss. Her father scoffed and said he didn't need it, but she hooked it up anyway and he uses it. She's been delighted that she can finally converse with her parents over the phone.

Ameriphone makes a cordless version, but I didn't look at that as closely. Ameriphone also makes an XL-40. Most places tend to carry just the XL-50, the XL-30 and the cordless.

We got our phone from 101phones.com. Their prices were great (and they offer FREE SHIPPING). The order was fulfilled promptly. Our phone and our friend's phone came quickly--exactly when they said it would. The people were nice and helpful. They have a storefront in Manhattan and have been in business for a long time. I would gladly buy from them again.

Recommended: Yes