My daughter likes this toy somewhat. It has been great for her to learn to talk to her Daddy at work. If people would just put the phone to their actual ears and push one of the buttons they would discover why it is set at that volume. It is tremendously loud when placed at the ear...where phones actually go (unless you are on speakerphone I guess!)

I agree that most kids won't always put it to their ears, but I have found that kids can hear it, it is just us older folks accoustumed to loud TV's, music and kids can't hear it.

I don't think it has a lot of educational value, but it lights up and is fun for the price.