Cell Phone Blues

As the number of cell phones continues to rise, so do the nagging problems of low volume and interference or static when used with hearing aids. When held up against a hearing aid, digital cellular phones create a buzz, which is often so loud that speech cannot be understood over the phone. The interference derives from both magnetic and rf (radio frequency) pulses generated by digital phones. The interference is generally stronger with analog than digital aids, and may be least noticeable with tiny, completely-in-canal aids.

The following suggestions may help to minimize interference:

• In general, you'll hear less interference on the normal microphone setting than the T-coil setting of your hearing aid.
• Usually, digital aids on microphone setting have less interference than analog aids.
• Use phones with a pull-out antenna. Phones with imbedded antennae produce more interference.
• Position the phone so antenna is farthest from the hearing aid.
• Move phone around to discover point of least interference.

A special phone mode for frequent cell phone users. The very best cell phone reception with hearing aids can be obtained using hearing aids equipped with a t-coil along with a neck loop. With this setup you wear the loop around your neck like a long necklace, which plugs into your cell phone worn at your waist on a belt or in a pocket. To use the phone you switch your hearing aid to the "T"-coil setting, dial your number, and the phone signal comes directly to you through your hearing aid. With T-coils on both aids, you can even get stereo phone reception.

The Nokia model 6160 cell phone can be equipped with an off-the-shelf neck loop called a Loopset, which allows anyone with a t-coil-equipped hearing aid to talk hands-free on a Nokia 5100 or 6100 series wireless phone without any annoying interference. It even reduces background noise. The cost of the Loopset with a built in microphone is about $70. Check with your cell phone provider or with Nokia at 1-888-665-4228, or www.shopnokia.com for information and availability. Motorola and Ericsson may also have neck loops available.