Why do I hear myself in the receiver?

If you hear your own voice echoed back to you when you are talking, you are actually hearing sidetone echo. 

Sidetone echo is intentionally introduced on all IP phones as a 'comfort' to the customer.  When IP Phone technology was initially engineered, focus groups were created to evaluate the new technology.  Most people complained that the phone 'felt' as though no call was active because the slight background buzz (whitenoise) and their own voice was not audible.  Users reported that they thought all the phone calls were disconnected or muted.

So the original team of engineers artificially introduced sidetone and white noise which made IP phones 'feel' more like a traditionally phone system. 

To eliminate sidetone echo:

  1. Click on Options --> settings

  2. Locate the box for Phone Settings

  3. Expand the box

  4. Adjust the Sidetone gain options down in order to lower the echo of your own voice

  5. Click Apply All Changes

  6. Reset your phone.  Disconnect the cables from the back (Ethernet and/or power) and then reconnect after waiting a few seconds.

Sidetone can be reduced by Fonality Support techs. Please contact Fonality Support for assistance.  A TSE will reduce the amount of sidetone in your phone's receiver, but your own voice will never be completely eliminated. 

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