Cell phones: accessories
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:Cell phone accessories
Cellular Headset:
Purchase a headset with a concave ear cushion. Place the earpiece over your implant’s microphone. Some commercial headsets are telecoil compatible. Test the headset with your telecoil to determine whether it will work with your telecoil.Patch Cords:
Cellular patch cords provide a direct connection between the cell phone and your implant’s speech processor. They connect to the cell phone and speech processor using a "Y" configuration. One leg of the “Y” plugs into the cell phone's headset jack; the other connects to your processor. Also, because the cell phone's microphone won’t work when you connect a cord to the phone, the patch cable has a built-in microphone, which you can attach to your clothing.
Hatis® :
Try one of these if you have a telecoil. 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.
Speaker phone accessory:
If you are easily able to use a speaker phone with your implant, then you might want to use a cell phone in the same way. Some cell phone models have a speaker for this purpose. There are accessories that can turn your cell phone into a speaker phone. You can use these accessories in the car and have your car’s speaker transmit the telephone conversation. Or, you can purchase a speaker phone system with portable speakers that transmit anywhere.
Cellular neckloop:
You can connect the neckloop—a necklace-size loop of wire—to your cell phone. The audio signal is delivered through the telecoil. Some cellular manufacturers like Motorola offer Cellular Neckloops that work with the telecoil feature.
