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Consumer Education

Hearing Aid Compatibility with Cell Phones

Millions of people who wear hearing aids have a difficult time with the use of cell phones. The problem is the way that sound is emitted over a wireless network. The conversation is transmitted using radio waves creating an electromagnetic field around the cell phone. These radio waves or radio frequency emissions (RF) interfere with the desired signal. The FCC has established rules for service providers and cell phone manufacturers that require them to offer at least two phones with reduced interference and also have to provide some phones with telecoil coupling capability. Labeling on the packaging of cell phones will indicate "how compatible" a cell phone is with hearing aids. Those that are considered passing (Those with a rating of "good "or"excellent") will be assigned a HAC rating of M3 or M4. The "M" stands for microphone. The higher the "M" rating the lesslikely the hearing aid user will experience interference while using a cell phone. For hearing aid users who use the telecoil on their hearing aid. Cell phones will also have a "T" rating. The "T" stands for telecoil. Those that are considered passing (those with a rating of "good" or "excellent") will be assigned a HAC rating of T3 or T4. The higher the "T" rating, the less likely the hearing aid user will experience interference when the hearing aid is set in the telecoil mode while using a cell phone. Because these ratings do not guarantee performance, it is strongly recommended that individuals who use hearing aids take opportunity to "try before you buy" any wireless device and to closely examine the return policy.

Types of Hearing Aids

There are many styles of hearing aids. The degree of the hearing loss, power and options requirements, manual dexterity abilities, cost factors, and cosmetic concerns are some of the factors that will determine the style the patient will use.

Digital Hearing Aid Technology

The term DIGITAL is used so often today, it can be confusing. When the term “digital” is used while referring to hearing aids, it generally means the hearing aid is 100% digital. In other words, the hearing aid is indeed a “complete computer”.

Type and Degree of Hearing Loss

Results of the audiometric evaluation are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Loudness is plotted from top to bottom. Frequency, from low to high, is plotted from left to right.

Three Levels of Hearing Aid Technology

There are essentially three levels of hearing aid technology. We refer to these as analog, digitally programmable, and digital.

How do I know if I have Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss occurs to most people as they age. Hearing loss can be due to the aging process, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (birth or prenatal) or hereditary factors, diseases, as well as a n…

Hearing Aid Battery Information

All batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Keep all batteries (and hearing aids) away from children and pets. If anyone swallows a battery it is a medical emergency and the individual needs to see a physician immediately.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

You may have certain communication needs that cannot be solved by the use of hearing aids alone. These situations may involve the use of the telephone, radio, television, and the inability to hear the door chime, telephone bell, and alarm clock.

Types of ALDs

There are many assistive listening devices available today, from sophisticated systems used in theaters and auditoriums to small personal systems.

Candidates for ALDs

No. People with all degrees and types of hearing loss — even people with normal hearing can benefit from assistive listening devices.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an abnormal perception of a sound which is reported by patients that is unrelated to an external source of stimulation. Tinnitus is a very common disorder.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus may originate from various lesions and from different sites. The auditory system involves highly complicated inner ear structures, many afferent and efferent nerve pathways and a great amount of nuclei that form a complex meshwork.

A Patient's Guide to Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds in the ears, is a symptom that can be related to almost every known hearing problem. Tinnitus can be temporary (acute) or permanent (chronic).

A Discussion of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is an abnormal perception of a sound which is reported by patients that is unrelated to an external source of stimulation. Tinnitus is a very common disorder.

What is an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?

Auditory Processing (also called Central Auditory Processing) refers to the means by which we make sense of what we hear. “Auditory Processing Disorders” refers to the abnormal interaction of hearing, neural transmission and the brain’s ability to m…

Do I Need Two Hearing Aids?

Basically, if you have two ears with hearing loss that could benefit from hearing aids, you need two hearing aids. It is important to realize there are no “normal” animals born with only one ear. Simply stated, you have two ears because you need two…

What is a 'Hearing Instrument Specialist'?

The hearing aid specialist has training in the assessment of patients who specifically seek rehabilitation for hearing loss.

Hearing Protection: Prevention is the Answer

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), while irreversible and incurable (at least, at this writing), is absolutely preventable.

Realistic Expectations for the Hearing Aid User

Hearing aids work very well when fit and adjusted appropriately. They amplify sound! You might find that you like one hearing aid better than the other. The left and right hearing aids will probably not fit exactly the same and they probably won’t s…

Hearing Aids in the Presence of Background Noise

Virtually all patients wearing hearing aids complain about background noise at one time or another. There is no way to completely eliminate background noise.


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