Got this as a Christmas present and have tried to get this phone to give decent reception, to no avail. Everyone I've talked to on this phone tells me I sound muffled. It comes with a volume control (only has 4 options, none of which are "loud"). I am not hard of hearing, but I must be in a perfectly quiet room in order to hear the caller. I tried using Speakerphone thinking at least that, with me yelling, would be better. With Speakerphone I can hear the caller better, but they still have problems hearing me. Changing channels doesn't resolve the issue, either. I got a headset, hoping that would help - it did not. I wanted this phone because of it's features and the ability to use a headset (for hands-free talking while I work). Overall I love the features of the phone, but cannot get it to get good reception, can't hear others and they can't hear me - whether I use the headset or handset. Would not recommend this phone set to anyone.