Is it harder to hear on the phone? Perhaps you find that you want to use the highest volume on a cell phone. Phone conversations, particularly on our mobile devices, can be tricky for all of us. Poor reception and background noise can sometimes make it necessary to fill in gaps in the conversation. When you have normal hearing, you may find it a challenge, but with hearing loss, it is even harder. As a result, voices may seem muffled and nearly impossible to understand.