Oh Ann! I know all about that! I am currently in a side-split & sew in a bedroom on the top. DH (who is also hard of hearing)"lives" in his "batcave" in the family room on the lower level. I got tired of yelling and getting up to hear him, myself, so.....it came a point we needed new phones....and ended up buying a cordless 3 pack that also has an intercom function. It is the best thing since sliced bread - no more hollering!!!!