Talking on the phone good for Mom but makes me crazy!!!!

When I can't visit my mom I try to call every couple of days.  This has become torture for me and those around me because Mom just can't hear.   She won't wear a hearing aid and the longer she talks the farther down her face - and away from her ear - slides the phone.   After 15 minutes I end up screaming the same things over and over, finally saying "never mind".    When i want to hang up it's a three stage process.  Stage 1, I tell her I need to get going for what ever reason then she asks what we'll be doing for the next few days.  Stage 2, I tell her I need to get off the phone for what ever reason, then she tells me what she's been doing - this is all after about 30 minutes of the very same conversation.  Stage 3, I tell her again that I'll have to hang up and she asks again where we'll be going next, her voice waivers and I can tell she's ready to cry.   By stage 3, she is asking, what? what? again and I'm yelling the same thing over and over...  I'm ticked off, my voice is louder and the tone lower.  Anyone around me is ready to grab the phone from my hand and slam it to the floor.

It's like having a little kid, I can't be mad at her because she just doesn't understand.  She NEEDS the calls and the company. She can't hear well, she's just happy to have a conversation with someone she loves and she knows loves her.  How can I rush that?  How can I hang up?  How can I NOT feel like crap for getting so frustrated.  I can't; it's just one of those things I have to live with .  I try to call her only from home where the only ones bothered are my husband and me.  I know it will take 3 tries to get her off the phone and I know she'll get weepy so I brace myself and get ready for the stages.  When she gets to the point that we DO NOT go through all 3, I'll know something is really wrong. 

Little gizmo helps Mom hear better on the phone

Mom's got some hearing loss and it seems to get worse all the time.   She has a hearing aid but using it on the telephone causes distortions that bother her.    Talking with family and friends on the phone is a major source of support and entertainment for her so I've been really concerned when I know she can't hear me talking to her.  I end up yelling into the phone yet she still can't seem to hear me.   I want to talk WITH her not just listen to her ramble; knowing what's going on with us helps keep her in the loop and she enjoys it. 

Before I go out and buy a volume controlled phone - the best start at $100  - I thought I'd try an in-line amplifier first.  Mom complained of echos and static on the phone so I hoped this would fix that and it did.  I spoke with her for more than 20 minutes and only had to yell once!  It was a huge relief.  I still need to get a phone with volume control on the handset or receiver but this will help reduce distortion on the line and boost the volume for Mom too.

I found the following product at walmart.com.  I usually don't like to shop Walmart but they had it for the best price and I could have it sent directly to Mom's apartment.  I should add that it takes a couple of AAA batteries but the first ones are included with the amplifier.   I also liked that she could adjust the volume on the unit.

Clarity CE-125 High Frequency Portable Telephone Amplifier, US$14.82.

Please note that I am not receiving any sort of compensation for listing this product on my blog.   I have not been given any products or samples by the manufacturer or distributor.  I've posted it simply because it is a useful tool for my mom.