Illinois Cochlear Implant Chapter

Using a cell phone can be challenging for cochlear implant users. Cell Phones transmit and receive speech and data using radio signals. This transmission combined by the electromagnetic interference of the phone itself, cause varying degrees of interference (buzzing) when we hold the phone up to our processors.


Hearing Aid Compatibility Ratings 

The FCC requires vendors to identify phones in their line up that exhibit less interference to hearing aids and cochlear implant processors. A phone with acceptable interference is labeled M3. If you wish to use your phone normally without a T-Coil, buy a phone rated M3. But if you wish to use your phone with your processor set on T-Coil and neck loop, look for a phone rated T3 or even better T4. You can search for phones here www.phonescoop.com. When you do a search here, you need to select "Show All Options" so the Hearing Aid Compatibility options display.

The FCC does not allow the T rating to exceed the M rating. That means a phone rated M3/T3 might actually be M3/T4, but the manufacturer is not allowed to tell you when this is the case. Always try them out in the store. You'll discover some work better than most. 

Handsfree 

If you want a hands free method for your cell phone, Cell Phone Neckloop is the simplest solution. They call it a cell phone neck loop because it includes a microphone. The neck loop plugs into your phone's headset jack. Most phones have a 3.5mm jack although some have a 2.5mm jack. You may need to use a converter jack. The ClearSounds product comes with that.

You can also get a Bluetooth Cell Phone Neckloop. This neck loop doesn't need to be plugged into the phone as it communicates using Bluethooth. If your phone's headset jack is square, this is your only handsfree option.

You might be tempted to just plug the audio cable that came with your processor into your phone. This is not likely to work. You'll hear your caller, but your caller will not hear you. Why? Because your audio cable doesn't have a microphone. The iPhone4 is an exception.

Depending on how your processor is programmed, you might not hear your voice when you speak. Your audiologist sets how much sound should come from the t-coil and how much from your microphone. 

If you hear buzzing when using a t-coil, lower your sensitivity if you can. You may have to ask your audiologist to make this adjustment for you.