This was once a great phone--now, not so much
I work as a contractor with a state program to secure telephones for low-to-moderate income people with hearing loss.  The average cost of a higher-volume amplified phone is around $140. Any phone that amplifies up to 40 dB is only for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.  Most who can benefit from amplified phones need 50+dB of amplification. The FCC funds telephone assistance programs to participating states so people with hearing loss can have access to phones they can use, since the phone service is funded in part by American tax dollars.  To check availability of a TAP program in your state, go to [...] and type your state name in the search box.<br /><br />Having explained that, I should say Maxi-aids introduced this phone about 8 years ago, and it was a wonderful, lower cost phone in a whole range of amplifications from 30-50 dB. Our state used so many of these in the 50dB model that it was on backorder.  When it came back in stock six months later, it was a much less satisfactory product.  The electrical cord (necessary for any phone which amplifies above 35 dB, to support all its features) was no longer visibly polarized--one blade larger than the other.  Plugging it in incorrectly, however, caused the phone to lose all its power features--no backlit keypad, no amplification, no tone control, no louder ringer.  This can happen in only a few weeks.<br /><br />Other unfortunate features are noted in the previous review: Plug this in near a phone which is set up with an emergency alert (you know, the amulet you press when you've 'fallen and can't get up' to alert 911 action), and you'll hear a truly ghastly sound.  It's also subject to static on the line, and just manages to last out the one-year warranty. Usually.  This phone has been cheapened out cut costs and increase profits.  It is NOTMM worth the price.<br /><br />It's important to keep your receipt when you purchase anything.  If you find it does not live up to expectations, send it back.  Most decent resellers have a money-back guarantee, as does Maxi-aids.  ALWAYS ASSUME THE 30 DAY MONEY-BACK PERIOD STARTS THE DAY YOU PLACE THE ORDER.  And always call to secure an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) before you send anything back.  Maxi-aids: is quick to ship out. I've received stuff in less than 24 hours with standard shipping.  I've never received anythiing in more than 5 business days.  So you have time to try the device and return it, if necessary. And if you can, go to your area Telecommunications or Telephone Assistance Program demo center to test out equipment before you buy it.  Hope this helps!
Rating: 3 stars