{"id":9997,"date":"2023-03-09T16:33:23","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T21:33:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/?p=9997"},"modified":"2023-03-09T16:33:24","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T21:33:24","slug":"how-to-choose-a-cell-phone-when-you-have-hearing-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/how-to-choose-a-cell-phone-when-you-have-hearing-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose a Cell Phone When You Have Hearing Aids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hearing aids<\/a> have evolved over the years to not only improve your listening experience but connect with other technology as well, including cell phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the market for a new phone and want to make sure they work well with your hearing aids, let\u2019s examine what you should look for before you head out to Jefferson Mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smartphones are Hearing Aid Compatible <\/h2>\n\n\n
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Nowadays, when we talk about getting a cell phone, we almost always mean a smartphone. Smartphones are the most commonly purchased type of phone today, and even though their technology is ever-evolving, you can be sure whatever one you get will work with your hearing aids. That\u2019s because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all smartphones to be Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the M Rating on Your Cell Phone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

However, just because all smartphones are Hearing Aid Compatible doesn\u2019t mean that they are all equal when it comes to overall call sound quality. While people with mild to moderate hearing loss<\/a> should be able to use any smartphone with their hearing aids easily, with some, you may experience a buzzing noise in the background when on a call. To try and avoid this problem, make sure to check the M rating on whatever phone you are considering purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The M rating refers to hearing capability and is graded on a scale of 1\u20134. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)<\/a>, \u201ccellphones that are rated good or excellent for use with hearing aids set in microphone (M) mode will have a rating of M3 or M4. The higher the M rating, the less likely you will experience interference when the hearing aid is set in the microphone mode while using the cellphone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What About For Severe Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have severe hearing loss, you may want to consider using hearing aids with telecoil and making sure the telecoil is activated whenever you\u2019re on a call. A telecoil is a tiny copper wire built into the hearing aid that acts as a receiver. When on, they can direct sound right to your hearing aid processor, bypassing the microphone. This improves call sound quality and eliminates feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similar to the M rating, cell phones also have T ratings for their telecoil compatibility between 1\u20134, with 4 being the most compatible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk With Your Audiologist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several other technology features, such as Bluetooth\u00ae capability, that certain hearing aids have and that you may find useful when using your smartphone or pairing with other devices. To figure out what\u2019s right for you, talk with your audiologist about your hearing needs and your current hearing aid features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Heuser Hearing Institute<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n