What Makes A Good Deaf-Friendly Smart Phone?

Mobile phones have come along way in the last 20 years with new features continually being added. Having so much choice can get quite confusing as to which phone is right for you. Many phones stated as "deaf-friendly" are suited to those with both hearing and sight difficulties with large buttons and simple switches. Increased amplification and vibrational mode are priorities but there are also other considerations. That is why we have come up with some helpful advise when choosing a smart phone if you are deaf or hard of hearing. 

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1137","field_deltas":{},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":344,"width":480,"class":"media-image media-element file-media-large","data-delta":"1"},"fields":{}}]]

A deaf-friendly smart phone should contain:

An excellent camera on the front and back (at least 12mp)

A good quality camera allows for improved video calls where you can see each other face to face, whether communicating using sign language, lip reading or verbally.

Adjustable settings for listening in either ear

Your smart phone should have "accessibility settings" . There should be an option to allow you to listen in "Mono" sending the same sound to both ears. There should also be the option to adjust the volume for the sound going to one ear to be louder than the other if required. 

Predicitve text

If you tend to use your phone for texting rather than calling, predicitive text can save you time when writing long messages.

Bluetooth capabilities

Using a blue tooth in the ear device that will connect wirelessly to your phone will help to block out background noise and focus on the conversation being had. 

Access to an app store

One of the biggest benefits to a smart phone is the ability to download an array of different apps from those that tell you how loud your surroundings are, to free conversational apps and vibrating alerts. 

Good battery life

Using video calls, internet calls via skype and apps can use up smart phone battery pretty quickly, aquiring a smart phone with long lasting battery life will ensure no phone calls will ensure no phone will run out of battery at the wrong moment. 

You registering your phone with the emergency sms service

As a deaf or hard of hearing person you are able to text the emergency 999 number from your mobile phone, however you do need to register your phone first therefore we recommend you phone is registered straight away once you get your phone, incase of emergencies that is one less thing you will need to do. This is the page that you can register at: http://www.emergencysms.org.uk/