Using the telephone
Telephone use with the Nucleus® cochlear implant system....FAQ
What can I do when my cell phone isn’t compatible with my implant?
Will I be able to use a regular telephone with my cochlear implant?
Many of our implant recipients enjoy using the telephone. Those who can understand speech without visual cues tend to have greater success. Recipients who had used the telephone prior to their severe hearing loss with practice are often able to use the telephone with their cochlear implant.
What can I do to become a successful telephone user?
Practicing ‘auditory only’ skills helps most recipients. Your hearing specialist can provide the best skill-building techniques for your specific situation.
Other things you can try include:
· Directly connecting the telephone to your speech processor with a Telephone Adapter. The adapter works with corded telephones that have a keypad on their base.
· Using the ESPrit 3G built-in telecoil, the ESPrit Telecoil or Cordless Telecoil or SPrint telecoil with a telecoil-compatible phone.
Which phones work best with an implant?
Although in the U.S. all landline telephones must be compatible with hearing devices, phones vary in how well they work with a cochlear implant. The best advice when purchasing a new phone is simply to try it out. Most stores will let you return a phone if it doesn’t work with your implant. Be sure to ask before you buy. Also, if you plan to use a telecoil with your telephone, don’t forget test its compatibility too.
Some features you might want to look for when purchasing a new phone include:
· Volume control
· Caller ID
· Integrated answering machine
· A high-quality speaker phone
When purchasing a cordless phone:
Look for an analog cordless phone. They tend to provide the best sound quality and telecoil compatibility. Extended-range analog cordless phones, such as 2.4 GHz phones, usually offer a clearer signal than those in the 900 MHz range. Avoid purchasing cordless phones labeled “digital” or “digital spread spectrum,” especially if you plan to use a telecoil with the phone.
When purchasing a corded phone:
Look for the same features listed above. If you are using a telephone adapter be sure to select a corded phone with the keypad in the base of the phone, rather than in the handset.
If a store brand telephone isn’t adequate for your needs, look for a specialty phone that has a connection for a neckloop, Hatis® (Hearing Aid Telephone Interconnect System), or patch cord. These devices work well with a telecoil, should you decide to use one. They also offer amplification and tone control features to provide a stronger audio signal.
Are cellular telephones compatible with my implant?
In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that phone manufacturers make a certain percentage of their cellular phones compatible with hearing devices. This means there a number of implant-compatible cellular phones for you to choose from. You can also find a variety of compatible accessories for hands-free cell phone use.
The best advice when selecting a cell phone is to visit a retail store and try out different phones. If a friend or family member has a recent model of a cell phone, try it out and see if it works well for you. If you plan to use a telecoil with your cell phone, make sure to test its compatibility too.
How can I reduce interference when using a cell phone?
A number of cell phone features can produce radio frequency interference with your cochlear implant. Interference can come from the transmission signal that sends the call, the antenna, battery or screen backlight. Cell phones that are not telecoil compatible will also produce interference when held next to a telecoil.
The interference won’t harm you or your implant, but it can cause noise that may interfere with your ability to hear a telephone conversation. Look for flip-top or clamshell designs, rather than bar-shaped designs. Flip-top styles may reduce interference because your implant is further from the antenna battery.
Accessories that allow hands-free use will also help to minimize cell phone interference by creating distance between the phone and the cochlear implant.
What can I do when my cell phone isn’t compatible with my implant?
If you’re not ready to trade in your existing cell phone for a new one, there are some accessories that can help reduce noise and distortion:
Hatis®: The Hatis headset lets you use a phone “hands free” and provides access to phones that are not otherwise compatible with implants. For ESPrit 3G recipients, there’s an earpiece that fits behind the ear and a cable that connects to a cell phone’s headset jack. (Please note: Your processor must be switched to the “T” setting when using a Hatis.) Or, if you have a telecoil accessory, the Hatis has a flat piece called a silhouette that can be placed next to a telecoil. Visit www.hatis.com for more information.
Cellular Headsets: Purchase a headset with a large, padded earpiece. Place the earpiece over your implant’s microphone. If the headset is telecoil compatible, activate the telecoil to deliver sound via magnetic induction. To determine whether a headset is telecoil compatible, test it with your telephone and activated telecoil. Visit www.plantronics.com or www.radioshack.com for more information.
Custom Patch Cables: Custom patch cables provide a direct connection between the cell phone and your implant’s speech processor. They connect to phones with a headset jack. Their clip-on microphone also lets you use phones “hands free.” For more information, contact businesses that sell custom patch cables for cell phones: www.soundbytes.com or www.cihais.com.
