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
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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.