Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Even though cell phones are everywhere, many people—especially seniors—still rely on traditional landline phones. But for hearing aid users, landline calls can bring static, feedback, or muffled sound.
The good news: with the right settings, accessories, and positioning, you can make landline conversations much clearer. This guide covers telecoil (T-coil) use, phone amplifiers, captioned phones, Bluetooth options, and practical placement tips.
1) Turn on Your Hearing Aid’s Telecoil (T-coil)
Many prescription hearing aids include a telecoil program that lets your aids pick up the phone’s magnetic signal without extra background noise. Ask your audiologist to add a dedicated “T” (or MT) program.
- What a telecoil is and how it works:
👉 Hearing Aid Telecoil (T-coil) and Loop Systems: What You Need to Know
Pro tips
- Look for HAC (hearing-aid compatible) on the phone.
- If you hear a buzz on “T,” try MT (mic + telecoil) or reposition the handset slightly (more on that below).
2) Try a Phone Amplifier (Simple, Affordable Boost)
If calls are too soft—even with your aids—add a telephone amplifier. These plug in line with your handset or phone base and can add volume and tone shaping for clearer speech.
| Amplifier Type | How It Connects | Best For | Amazon Examples* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handset amplifier | Between the handset and curly cord | Mild–moderate loss | Search “telephone handset amplifier” |
| In-line/base amplifier | Between the phone base and wall jack | Moderate–severe loss | Search “inline telephone amplifier” |
| Captioned phones with amp | Built-in captions + louder handset/speaker | Moderate–severe loss + clarity | Search “captioned phone” |
*These are search results so you can choose a current model; your affiliate tag is included.
3) Consider a Captioned Landline Phone
If you still miss words, captioned telephones show real-time captions on a screen as you talk—often at no cost to qualified U.S. users through federally supported services.
Popular providers:
Learn how captioned phone services work (CTS/IP CTS) at the FCC:
We also discuss CaptionCall as an option in our phone tips post:
👉 Maximize Your Phone Conversations with Hearing Aids
4) Bluetooth Options for Landlines (What Works & When)
Some Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can help with landline calls, but compatibility varies:
- Landline phones with built-in Bluetooth can sometimes send call audio to a streamer/relay (or to certain hearing aids that accept standard Bluetooth profiles).
- Bluetooth adapters/transmitters can bridge a phone base to a Bluetooth sink/streamer. Success depends on your hearing aid brand and supported profiles.
Important caveats
- Many hearing aids don’t pair directly with generic transmitters; you may need the brand’s streamer/phone accessory (e.g., “Phone Clip+,” “ConnectClip,” “StreamLine,” etc.).
- Bluetooth LE Audio/Auracast is emerging and may improve broadcast-style listening in the future. See:
👉 What Are Auracast™ Hearing Aids?
5) Place the Handset Where Your Hearing Aid Listens
For BTE/RIC users, the microphones sit above the pinna (top of the ear). Small changes help:
- Hold the receiver slightly above the ear—not jammed into the canal.
- Angle so sound meets the hearing-aid mics.
- Don’t press tightly (prevents feedback).
- If feedback persists, switch to speakerphone (see next).
Handset Placement Quick Guide
| Issue | Try This |
|---|---|
| Buzzing on T-coil | Move the handset a bit; switch to MT program |
| Muffled on microphones | Angle handset toward top mic ports |
| Whistling/feedback | Loosen pressure or use speakerphone |
| Still too soft | Add amplifier or consider captioned phone |
6) Use the Speakerphone (Both Ears = Better)
Speakerphone avoids feedback from the receiver and lets both ears hear. It’s great in quiet rooms and when you want to take notes hands-free.
Care & Maintenance That Also Helps Calls
Clean domes and change wax traps regularly—blockages make any phone sound worse:
👉 Know When to Change Hearing Aid Tubing, Domes, and Wax Traps
When to Ask Your Audiologist
Ask for a dedicated Phone or T-coil program; bring your handset to the visit for live positioning tips. If your landline setup is unusual, ask about brand-specific phone accessories or whether captioned phones fit your needs.
FAQs
Do all hearing aids have a telecoil?
No. Many do, but not all. Your audiologist can confirm and add a T or MT program.
Will a captioned phone work with my current number?
Yes—captioned phone providers can explain setup. In the U.S., CTS/IP CTS is federally supported for qualified users (see FCC links above).
Can I use a cordless landline phone?
Yes—look for HAC (hearing-aid compatible). Amplifiers and captioned models are available in cordless versions.
Do Bluetooth adapters always stream directly to my aids?
Not always. Some aids need the brand’s streamer; others support standard Bluetooth. Check with your audiologist.
Wrap-Up
Clearer landline calls are possible: T-coil, amplifiers, captioned phones, Bluetooth/brand streamers, smart handset placement, and speakerphone are your toolkit. If you’re still struggling, a quick programming tweak or the right accessory can make a huge difference.