My son really likes this toy. I know you can't hear it well,but put it up to your ear. If it was at the same volume as when you got it before you pulled the tab out and your child put it up to there ear it could cause hearing loss. My husband trimed down the tab and put it back in.And we took it righ back out. My son sees me talk on the phone then he puts it up to his ear. If you child doesn't do that try putting the tab back in where you took it out of. The you child can hear it lots better. I just wish they would have put another place for louder volume, but still could hear the voice out of the ear. I Love this toy. Its the best phone I have found for my son!!!!