Everywhere you look, you see someone using cell phones. They have become a required part of
living for many. In recent years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has passed regulations requiring most cell phones to be compatible with hearing aids.
Cell phones now have ratings for radio frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling strength. When shopping for cell phones, look for models that have M3 or M4 ratings if you plan to use the cell phone with your hearing aid’s microphone (normal) setting , or T3 or T4 ratings if you plan to use the cell phone with your hearing aid’s “t-coil” mode. The higher the rating number, the lower the chances of interference between the cell phone and your hearing aids. Your cell phone provider can direct you to these models.
Many hearing aid manufacturers have developed systems that can connect your hearing aids to bluetooth cell phones wirelessly through a small interface that looks like an IPOD. This device enables you to hear “hands free” and through both ears simultaneously. Small adaptors can connect non-bluetooth TVs, laptops and landline phones to your hearing aids wirelessly as well. 
For more information, please see http://www.oticonusa.com/Oticon/Consumers/Products/Epoq/Streamer.html.
When you shop for a cell phone, make sure you try it in before you buy it- in the mode you plan to use it (hearing aid microphone, t-coil or bluetooth interface). Test the cell phone volume range to ensure it is sufficient for your needs. Inquire regarding the return policy and keep all cell phone packaging until you are satisfied. Finally, schedule an appointment with your audiologist to program your hearing aids to optimize cell phone use.
As technology continues to improve and expand, it becomes increasingly important to become an educated consumer. Please contact our office if you have questions!
