Telephone and Cell Phone Tips

• Cell phones are rated for microphone and telecoil compatibility (United States Federal Communications Commission)
• Phones rated M3 or M4 meet or surpass the standard for microphone compatibility, with M4 being the best.
• Phones rated T3 or T4 meet or surpass the standard for telecoil compatibility, with T4 being the best.
• If there is no M or T rating, the handset has not been tested or does not meet the ANSI standard.
• Telecoil is like an invisible assistive listening system delivering sound by magnetic induction.
• Check the details under each handset for information about the HAC rating.
• Test handsets in cellular providers' stores prior to buying.
• Remember that everyone's hearing loss is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
• Phonescoop website makes shopping for a compatible cell phone simple. This link will guide you to compatible cell phones through one or more service providers: http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/finder.php

There are several cell phone accessories that will reduce or eliminate interference when using a phone that is not compatible with your cochlear implant system.  These accessories keep the cell phone away from your implant's components, minimizing interference:

There are many cellular phones available today that are compatible with the Nucleus® cochlear implant system.  Shopping for a phone that is right for you may take some research.

A number of cell phone features may produce radio frequency (RF) interference with your cochlear implant, which may cause you to hear buzzing when you bring the phone up to your implant. This buzzing can overpower a caller’s voice, making it difficult or impossible to use the phone.

Interference can come from the transmission signal that sends the call, the antenna, battery or screen backlight. Cell phones that are not telecoil compatible may also produce interference when using a telecoil.  

The Nucleus behind-the-ear (BTE) processors and microphones have an RF shielding to provide some protection against interference. Yet there are certain cell phone features you can look for to minimize interference even further.

How do I choose a phone?

Cochlear implant users should know that guidance for hearing aid users is applicable to those who have a cochlear implant.

For many cochlear implant recipients, learning to use the telephone can be challenging and frustrating, rewarding or disappointing. With a bit of knowledge of cochlear implant technology coupled with practice, most recipients can develop the skills to use a voice telephone.

Several resources are available to help you practice and gain confidence using the telephone:

Frequently Asked Questions