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Hearing aids and mobile phones

Mobile phones are a convenient means of communication and their use is rapidly increasing. People with a hearing device may experience an interfering noise when using a mobile phone or when one is used nearby.

This fact sheet contains information for mobile phone users who wear a hearing device.

What causes the interference? The interference is caused by the radio signals generated by the mobile phone. It can be a buzzing sound that makes speech hard to understand. In severe cases, it can make the phone unusable.

How much you are affected by interference from a mobile phone depends on:

• the type of mobile phone—GSM (global system for mobiles) or CDMA (code division multiple access);

• your hearing device;

• the distance between the hearing device and the mobile phone; and

• your personal tolerance to noise.

The difference between GSM and CDMA The GSM mobile phone service is the one most commonly used in Australia. The CDMA service replaced the analog service when it closed down.

The degree of interference to hearing devices is likely to be greater when a GSM mobile phone is used. CDMA mobile phone technology is more suitable for use with most hearing aids. However, you should be aware that CDMA phones may also cause interference in some situations.

Are there situations where interference is better or worse? Interference is worse where mobile reception is poor. Make sure there is good coverage from the network you choose in the area where you will use your mobile phone the most.

What about accessories? If you choose a GSM mobile phone, accessories such as a hands-free kit may reduce interference. Some hands-free accessories are designed to be worn behind the ear.

Different accessories will suit different hearing aids so check that your hearing device is compatible with the mobile phone you choose.

Will this problem be solved? The situation is improving and newer phones cause fewer problems. New hearing aids may also have higher levels of immunity and so cause less interference.

Before you buy a mobile phone, consider: • whether connecting to the CDMA network would

suit you—most people with a hearing device experience less interference with a CDMA phone;

• that the interference will be worse where reception is poor;

• the type of mobile handset you want to purchase;

• whether the type of hearing aid you use has a T-switch—a T-switch might make accessories work better but can increase interference from features, for example, signals from the handset display;

• that if you use only one hearing aid, you may be able to get satisfactory results by using the phone with the ear that doesn't have the hearing aid;

• how close the antenna is to your ear-it is better to have the antenna as far from your ear as possible, so look for a phone that increases the distance between the phone's antenna and your hearing aid;

• buying accessories that increase the distance between the phone and your hearing aid, such as hands-free attachments and inductive loops;

• the compatibility of the phone you prefer with the accessories you want to use;having a hands-free car kit installed if you are going to use the phone in a vehicle;

• asking people who use mobile phones and have hearing aids about their experience and what they recommend;

• shopping around for a mobile phone provider or outlet who can advise you on the mobile phone and accessories that are most suitable for you;

• trying the phone before you buy it, at least in the shop and preferably by borrowing one of a similar model so you can use it away from the

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shop—if possible, test the phone in the areas where you will be using it most often and in a various situations;

• testing the handset you want to purchase for volume level, speech clarity and the level of interference;

• going to different shops until you find one where the people understand about hearing aids and interference and are willing to help you resolve it—don't accept assurances without testing the handset for yourself;

• whether the shop stocks accessories that you can try; and

• if you know which network you are going to use, ringing the customer assistance area of the network to ask about store where you can try the phones before you buy—not every shop will have the expertise and equipment to be able to help you.

More information More information on mobile phones is available on ACMA’s website, at Hwww.acma.gov.au (go to For the public > Consumer and community advice > Choosing products and services).

Please note: this document is intended as a guide only and should not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.