People experiencing different degrees of hearing loss need specialty mobile phones for the hearing impaired because they find phone conversations quite difficult and frustrating.
These phones help compensate for the lack of physical interaction during a phone call which compounds hearing difficulties.
This is because they cannot read the other person’s lips or facial expressions to try to understand the conversation. Fortunately, the hard of hearing now have phone options to choose from, although some research is required prior to making a purchase.
This article aims to present some of the necessary research information that should be considered prior to selection of cell phones for the hearing impaired.
General Challenges Faced by the Hearing Impaired
Some cell phones may receive radio frequency feedback when used by those with hearing aids or cochlear implants resulting in static, whistling or buzzing sounds.
The Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 mandated that additional phone options be designed to work with hearing aids and cochlear implants for equal access to the national telecommunications network.
Some phone companies provide a regularly updated list of devices that are suitable for those with hearing loss.
Other phones allow customers to test devices with their hearing aid or cochlear implant.
This helps to determine which phone provides the most benefit for them. This is one reason why specific cell phone recommendations are not made in this article.
Considerations Before You Buy Mobile Phones for the Hearing Impaired
There are several considerations when purchasing a mobile phone which include
- phone ratings,
- length of trial periods,
- added features,
- deaf or hard of hearing plans, and
- additional accessibility features.
Many individuals are unaware of the different services offered by mobile phone companies.
Depending on the provider, the model of the phone, and the hearing aid, several features can be offered to individuals with hearing loss. It is important to be aware that this varies between providers.
Ratings of Cell Phones and Compatible Hearing Aids
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated all cell phone manufacturers to rate their products’ hearing aid compatibility using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C63.19 standard.
M-ratings and T-ratings are designed to diminish outside noises and interference.
The scale provides measurements from 1 to 4. The lower the rating, the more likelihood to have hearing aid/device interference with the cell phone.
It is suggested that individuals first test several devices before making a final decision. Usually, the notation of hearing aid compatibility will be displayed on the cell phone packaging, display tag, the company’s website, and in the device’s user manual (FCC, 2021)
Cell phones have an M (microphone) rating. Cell phones work better with hearing aids to block unwanted noise considerably when they are set in microphone mode M3 or M4 rating.
Most people use phones with an M3 rating.
People with severe hearing loss must turn on the T (telecoil) in their hearing aid to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. T4 is the best rating.
Cell phones that work well with cochlear implants or hearing aids with a T-coil have a T3 or T4 rating.
Note that personal experience with a particular cell phone will depend on the type of hearing aid used.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids often experience more interference than in-the-ear-canal (ITE) hearing aids.
Furthermore, some apps on the phone may interfere with the quality of sound – such as, the phone’s backlight which may affect telecoil transmission.
Features and Plans
If the phone does not work with one’s hearing aid or cochlear implant, depending on the provider it can be returned within a certain window of time though they often charge a restocking fee.
Added Features
Some providers offer features like real-time text (RTT), Text Telephone (TTY), and Relay services.
Other compatible phones have accessible features like vibrate on ring, LED flash for alerts, personalized messaging, video call capabilities, and closed captioning.
Deaf or Hard of Hearing Plans
Most providers offer special data-only and unlimited texting plans that disable voice calls to customers that prefer not to use the voice option.
Typical Features of Mobile Phones For the Hearing Impaired
The cell phone options for the hearing impaired are not as many as landline options although phone providers are more increasingly ensuring hearing aid compatibility of phones. Several key features of cell phones for the hearing impaired include the following
- Extra loud speakers
- Large key buttons for easier operation
- Large screen
- Hearing aid compatibility – the cell phone has been tested for the level of audible interference or radio frequency interference. Cell phones are given an M-rating. The higher the M-rating, the lower the radio frequency emissions and the better the signal quality. For good call quality, the M-rating of the cell phone and hearing aid should add up to at least a rating of five.
- Telecoils – Many modern hearing aids are built with telecoils which convert magnetic signals from cell phones into sounds. Telecoils do not whistle or create feedback since they only receive sound from the electronic device. Bluetooth hearing aids have t-coils to pick up radio and electromagnetic signals from streamers that convert Bluetooth signals from TVs, music players, cell phones, and more.
- TTY compatibility – A TTY or TTD, Telecommunication Device for the Deaf, is used by deaf and hearing-impaired people and is built into modern phones.
TTY devices are keyboard devices which attach to landlines and cell phones. They allow users to type messages back and forth.
However, both users must have the TTY device to allow them to write back and forth. The written messages are sent through the phone line.
In the absence of a TTY device, a cell phone with a large screen and keyboard can be purchased instead.
Conclusion
Hearing disability does not hinder the use of cell phones. With increasing technology improvements each year, designs are being made to mobile phones for the hearing impaired to continue to provide an enhanced quality of life.
Check the Review Section for a comparison of EasyPhone models for the Hearing Impaired.
Related Articles
References
Mobile Phone Features offered by Phone Companies to Individuals with Hearing Loss. Lucy Hinderliter B.S., Emma Freeman B.S., Linda Thibodeau Ph.D – Univ Texas at Dallas https://cpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/labs.utdallas.edu/dist/0/126/files/2021/11/Hinderliter-Freeman-Poster-FINAL.pdf
Hello there,
Thank you for sharing such a helpful article. I found it fascinating!
My husband is 66 years old and is getting problems hearing. Every time I phone him, he barely hears me, which could be dangerous. Things happen in life, and we never know. When working during the day, I want to know that everything is okay with him. So I am considering buying a new phone with better features as indicated in this article. I do have a question, please. They are many sorts of phones for people with hearing loss. Is it possible for you to tell me what would be the most appropriate cell phone for seniors? As you said earlier, it would be best to try different devices before deciding what’s best for him, but I would like to make it a little simpler and get advice from someone with lots of knowledge.
Hi Daniela,
Thanks for the comment. I am glad I was able to bring value to you! Yes, it can be challenging when an elderly loved one finds it difficult to communicate with us.
Good news – I am currently in the middle of review of select cell phones for seniors who are hearing impaired. This article will be published over the next 2 weeks. So, stay tuned……or better still, subscribe to our weekly newsletter and be one of our VIPs who are informed when new articles are posted! 🙂
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
One of my relatives got partial hear losing (Hearing impaired), and he did not know yet that mobile phones consider solution of his problem. I will tell his soon. at the same time, I would like to help me answer these questions:
What is the best brand that carry the most of features that you reported n this post?
What are the different types of mobile phones for the hearing impaired?
I hope you can help me.
Have Nice day.
Hello Safia,
There are a few brands that are helpful for this condition. Stay tuned to the website for our upcoming post on different options to choose from for the hearing impaired……or, better still subscribe to our VIP newsletter and you will be notified as soon as new posts are made on the website.
Thanks, Ceci
Hi Ceci,
This is such an important article for people who have hearing impairment. I hope a lot of them find this article so they can use it to help them when purchasing a mobile phone.
I will share this with my friends and family as some of them know people with hearing impairments.
Keep up the great work.
All the best,
Tom
Thanks so much Tom for sharing this article with your family and friends.
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
I found the article very interesting. My mother has a very bad hearing problem and may need something like this in the near future. I have never thought about phones that would be good for the hearing impaired previously. I will have to keep this article in mind when we start having to find options for her.
Thank you,
Chastity
Hi Chastity,
I am glad that you found value in this article.
Regards,
Ceci
This phone can solve many problems if you are hard of hearing or completely def. the phone for the hearing impaired is a good thing for everyone.
We are going to share this with everyone in my family we do have a couple people in my family that can benefit from this phone.
When we came to this article our intentions were to get the best phone for my grandma.
Cheers,
MnD
Hi MnD,
I am delighted that you were able to get a suitable phone for your Grandma after reading this article.
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
It’s good to see technology helps the hearing impaired so that we can keep in touch with them without barriers. It seems that EasyPhone does well, and the models also look nice. When you mention mobile phone companies offer different services for people with hearing loss, do you know where we can get the related information?
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt,
You would have to contact the phone companies directly to ask about this as only few of them advertise these services.
Ceci