Cell Phones and Cell Phone Listening Options

Many people now must be able to use a cell phone on the job. Many people who wear hearing aids have tremendous difficulty using the cell phone with their hearing aids. Sometimes problems are introduced after they receive new hearing aids. There are no easy answers when recommending a cell phone. The subject is complicated by several variables. You can, however, provide valuable information to help educate your clients.

Problems Your Clients May Encounter

• There is a loud buzzing when I try to use the cell phone with the hearing aid in.

• There is no way to interface the phone to the hearing aid's telecoil.

• I must remove my hearing aid to use the cell phone.

• The cell phone worked when I had my old hearing aids but don't work now.

• The new cell phone doesn't work as well as my old phone with my hearing aids.

You can learn about the problems that exist, including the types of interference that can occur. You can then look at the options that now exist to help overcome that interference. The technology changes so quickly that the information you are reading can quickly become obsolete and my recommendation is to use the resources at end of this report to stay up to date on the subject.

An Overview of the Problems
The biggest complaint among hearing aid users is the interference that is experienced when the cell phone is near the hearing aid, with or without a telecoil. The old technology used to transmit calls was analog which did not cause much interference. Analog technology is being phased out and digital technology is being used instead. This digital technology and the cell phone's electronics both can cause interference.

The technology that is used to transmit calls over a wireless network is different among service providers. The interference generated by some of these technologies may cause more interference than others. The larger service providers who use CDMA technology are Verizon and Sprint PCS. Nextel uses iDEN technology. These are the technologies that seem to work best for hearing aid users.  

Types of Interference
Calls are transmitted via radio waves and RF emissions are created by the cell phone when a call is placed. RF emissions are concentrated around the phone antenna and an electromagnetic field is created. Hearing aids (even without telecoils) may not be able to shield this interference.

Features on the cell phone may cause additional interference referred to as baseband magnetic interference. The electronics used for backlighting, display, battery and circuit board can cause this interference.

Recommended Service Provider Options

1. Choose a service provider that uses CDMA or iDEN technology (previously noted).

2. Go to a service provider's store versus an office supply store, etc. because they usually have a larger inventory of phones that may be tested in the store and the sales personnel may be more knowledgeable. Some people have also had success at Radio Shack.

3. Samsung and Motorola phones have been frequently mentioned as brands with good models that work well with telecoils. This is not an all inclusive list. The CTIA website referenced below does have a more inclusive list of phones to try.

4. Oftentimes the flip-up styles work better because the electronics that cause interference are further away from the hearing aid.

5. Fully understand the terms of the trial period. You may have a 2 week trial period and may have a non-refundable activation fee. You may be able to cancel the service within the 2 week period. You may be able to have the fees waived after explaining that you are a hearing aid user and that the phone is not compatible.

6. If the sales person you are working with does not seem knowledgeable about your needs, you may want to ask for a manager who may be better able to help.

Recommended Cell Phone Options

1. A headset jack with the standard 2.5mm size can use accessories without the need for special adapters.

2. Cell phones that require a special adapter so that you can use a universal headset jack (2.5mm) can be found at the resource below. You only need the model number which is found under the battery of the cell phone.

3. Vibrating alert may be helpful as well as a variety of ring-tones because you may be able to hear some ring tones better than others.

4. A speakerphone may be very useful for some hearing aid users.

5. Text capability could also be used by callers who also have this capability.

6. TTY compatibility is important for use with portable TTYs.

7. Accessories that place the phone even further from the hearing aid to reduce interference or to provide binaural listening are also an option. Noizfree and   HATIS make a silhouette style earpiece that provides excellent telecoil induction signaling.

Recommended Hearing Aid Options

1. Hearing aids with telecoils will provide an interface to the cell phone and to the accessories. The neckloop and induction accessories include a built-in microphone and provide hands-free speaking

2. Ask the manufacturer for hearing aid circuitry that provides a higher level of shielding to the EMI interference for those who must rely on the cell phone.

Bluetooth Options

1. Cell phones with Bluetooth capability can be used with hearing aids with telecoils. The neckloop or silhouettes have a Bluetooth receiver that picks up the cell phone signal and transmits the sound signal to the hearing aid telecoil.

Final Thoughts
Cell phone technology, models and features change quickly, so it is important to provide online resources to help keep you up-to-date. These sites provide details that are updated regularly. You may also want to make a hard-copy of some of the available information for your clients who do not have internet access.

Online Resources
http://tap.gallaudet.edu   Technology Access Program at Gallaudet University
http://www.accesswireless.org Cellular Telecommunication and Internet Association (CTIA) trade organization's website on accessibility and wireless technology includes wireless phones to try if you use hearing aids.
www.hearingloss.org Hearing Loss Association of America website
www.factorydirectcellular.com Factory direct cell phone accessorices