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As we grow older so the wear and tear of life can affect out faculties without any outward evidence.  It is not until we struggle focusing on small text or mis-hear a comment from others that the penny drops (of course we probably would not hear it but that’s not the point).  Fortunately technology (along with a visit to an optician or optometrist) can help overcome some frailties.  One example of technology coming to the rescue for the hard-of-hearing is the RingPlus product from Doro.

This product, from Doro’s Care Electronics division, consists of the main ring amplifier unit; a power lead with an adapter that can handle either of the two or three-pin plugs supplied with the unit; and sensor microphone with a permanently attached lead.  The ring amplifier unit, decked out in Apple White, measures 184 x 113 x 36mm (L x W x D).  Although the unit can be positioned on a flat surface, it would be better wall-mounted (a couple of screws are supplied for this purpose).

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Setting up the kit is straightforward and helped, in no small measure, by the lengths of both the power lead and microphone cable.  The power lead measures 185cm and the microphone cable is a rather generous 500cm.  With lengths such as these you should have no problems with regards linking the RingPlus device to both your telephone unit and a power socket.  With regards to the circular sensor microphone element, this should be placed underneath the telephone.  Some experimentation might be needed to get the optimum placement for the loudest results and you do need to ensure that the leads do not get in the way as they can be easily disturbed.

Although the arrangement of this system does work with more modern phone designed that use docking stations, the Doro RingPlus is more suited to the traditional design of a handset and bulky base unit.  The ring amplifier unit features a recessed dome-shaped speaker unit and this is positioned just above a dome-shaped strobe light element that can supply a visual element to accompany the phone’s ring tone. 

Switches are available to turn the unit on/off plus choose from an audio/visual signal, audio only or visual only signal.  The audio signal is impressively loud enough to catch the attention of most individuals with hearing difficulties.  I was less impressed with the visual signal aspect.  During tests the strobe light would flash once (a bit like a flash on a camera) but this could easily be missed.  You might be in another room or be otherwise occupied in the same room as the RingPlus and thus miss the single flash emitted.  As a result I would not recommend using the visual signal only option and would suggest you stick to either the combination option or audio only signal.

The Doro RingPlus would suit a hard-of-hearing person who has a standard landline telephone of the more traditional design.  Doro has priced this product as £24.99+VAT.

http://www.doro.com/global/businessunit/dorocare/product?c=14000&p=RING%20PLUS