Hearing Center of Castro Valley (510) 629-6013

Cell Phones and Hearing Aids

One of the most common questions I

get asked is, “why doesn’t my hearing

aid work on the phone?” If you’ve

been frustrated by your inability to

use a phone with your hearing aids,

you’re not alone.

Hearing aid compatibility (HAC) with

cell phones and land line phones is

one of the most common complaints

patients have. They are also somewhat surprised to find out that usually, it’s

not the hearing aid’s fault.

Generally, it is an incompatibility with the phone or is due to older

technology in the phone itself.

So, let’s talk a little terminology before we go much further: In general,

hearing aids are cell phone and land line phone compatible. Hearing aids

have what is called an “M” rating, which represents the potential for

experiencing interference between the hearing aid microphone and a phone.

Most hearing aids have an “M” rating of 2. The highest possible score is a 4.

Cell phones also have an “M” rating, ranging from 1 to 4. In order to get the

best possible hearing aid compatibility, the “M” rating of the hearing aid and

the “M” rating of the phone should add up to 5 or more.

The higher the number, the better the compatibility. There is also a “T”

rating for cell phones that ranges from 1 to 4. This rating represents the cell

phone’s capability to send the hearing aid information through

electromagnetic coupling.

The best possible hearing aid compatibility would be a cell phone with an

M4/T4 rating. Unfortunately, there is no “T” rating for hearing aids at this

time. And, even worse, land line phones are neither M nor T rated.

To be considered hearing aid compatible, land line phones must simply have

a way to electromagnetically interface with your hearing aid. On the

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manufacturer’s box, an “HAC” means that the phone is technically

compatible.

How it will actually work is different between manufacturers and even

different from model to model by the same manufacturer.

When you decide to purchase a new cell phone, there are a few things to

consider. Researching the different phones that are available from your

carrier before your enter the store will be an easy way to save some time.

You might find that you know more than the person helping you behind the

counter!

Here are some things you should know:

Different cell phone carriers use different transmission technologies. The two

most common are CDMA, used by Sprint and Verizon and GSM, used by

AT&T and T-Mobile.

Interestingly, phones using the GSM technology can only achieve a rating of

M3/T3. Remember, the higher the rating, the better likelihood for

compatibility.

Once you’ve found the phone you think will best suit your needs, it will

benefit you to try out the phone, if possible, before purchasing. Only carrier

stores are required to allow you to test the phone you are interested in prior

to purchasing.

The only way to know if your hearing aid and the phone are compatible is to

make an actual call. Putting the phone up to your ear without it being turned

on really tells you nothing and you may be surprised by the lack of

compatibility when you get home if you haven’t tried it prior to your

purchase.

The last but very important piece of the puzzle is the type of hearing aid that

you’re wearing. To interface with your cell phone or land line phone, you

must put the phone over the microphones of the hearing aid.

For in-the-ear hearing aids, this is a simple thing as all of the working parts

are in-the-ear. For behind -the-ear hearing aids, though, you must

Hearing Center of Castro Valley (510) 629-6013

remember to lift the phone up over the edge of the ear, where the behind-

the-ear piece is resting.

If you fail to do so, you may not have connection with the phone simply

because they are not in close enough proximity. It may feel a bit awkward at

first, but you will hear so much better!

Finding a good solution to your phone issues may seem overwhelming.

There is a lot of information!

We are always happy to help if you have questions. Also, visit

www.accesswireless.com for in-depth information on cell phone and land line

phone compatibility.

Visit us today to know more about hearing aids.