Cell Phones and Accessories
Advanced technologies have provided us with many cell phone accessories compatible with hearing aids. These allow for a much easier and more enjoyable experience when combining your cell phone technology with our advanced hearing aid devices and accessories. With the use of Bluetooth technology, you are now able to connect hearing aids to cell phones in several ways. Hearing aids can be connected to Bluetooth enabled devices through this technology, and many accessories provide you with a convenient, hands-free experience. This can be very useful for the hearing aid wearer.
What Is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth technology allows hearing aids to connect to an array of electronics, including your cell phone. There is a convenient setting on your hearing device that links you to whatever technology you were wanting to use that is close to you. This also allows you to set the volume to a desired level.
Cellular Accessories That Are Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)
There are many reasons why cell phone accessories that are hearing aid compatible are beneficial. They help to lessen the interference between the device and the hearing aid, as well as decrease annoying feedback or buzzing noises. They do this by putting distance between the hearing device and the cell phone.
Another great added feature that HAC accessories provide you with, is the ability to have hands-free cell phone use. This can be particularly important while driving and using your phone. Also, when using the hearing aid’s microphone mode, you may be able to use your cell phone’s speakerphone function.
It is now required that every major manufacturer of cell phones provide HAC phones for those with hearing aids. Many now also sell accessories for HAC cell phones.
Telecoil
Around 45% of current hearing aids are now built with the telecoil feature, which is a telephone switch, also called a t-switch or t-coil. HAC accessories support hearing devices that include this feature. A Bluetooth signal can be sent from your Bluetooth accessory to your telecoil through what is called a neckloop or earhook silhouette.
Neckloop
A neckloop is a wire that can connect to devices, such as HAC accessories and phones. It is worn around your neck, and can be adapted to hearing aids with telecoil. The neck loop generates a magnetic signal that can be recognized by the telecoil and then amplified by the hearing device. They do not require a wire to run to the hearing aid, making them very convenient for the user.
Earhook Silhouette
Similar to a neck loop, an ear hook silhouette puts out a magnetic signal that is recognized by your hearing aids telecoil. Instead of being worn around your neck, the earhook silhouette is attached over your ear and a behind the ear style hearing aid nestles in it. HAC phones and accessories can be attached to it by a thin loop of wire.
Some of the features that you may be able to use with a cell phone and your hearing device are as follows:
- Stream music or GPS directions straight to your hearing aid
- Directly stream phone calls to your hearing aid
- Find a misplaced hearing aid
- Check the status of your battery
- Change volume levels, each side separately or together
- Control other accessories such as a remote mic or TV streamer
Speak with the cell phone provider you use to find out if their operating system will work with your hearing aid and related accessories. It also may be a good idea to speak with your healthcare specialist to determine if your cell phone is Bluetooth compatible for the best possible hearing aid functionality. Testing the device with your phone will let you know if the accessory will work well for you.
Also good to bear in mind, is that some hearing aid devices and cell phones may not work the same after leaving the store. It’s definitely smart to find out about any satisfaction or money-back guarantees offered.
