Ask Linn

Cell Phones, Accessories and more...

We received some great questions from Nucleus users and family members after our premier issue of Nucleus News.   Keep them coming! 

Since the weather is getting cooler in most areas, lets head indoors and talk about some of the listening activities you can do no matter what the weather is like outside.

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is “What is the most compatible cell phone to use with my Nucleus cochlear implant?”  

A couple of years ago, this would be a difficult question to answer.  Today, there are a number of cell phones that are compatible with hearing devices…and it’s getting even better!  In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that major cellular providers label compatible phones with M3 or M4 to indicate those that are most compatible with the microphone setting on hearing devices.   Next year, they must label those phones that are compatible with the telecoil feature with T3 or T4. 

With or without labeling, we are still finding many cell phones that work well with Nucleus processors.   The trick is to try before you buy.   For more details about what to look for and how to test a cell phone for compatibility, please see our Cell Phone Guide for the latest cell phone features.  We also have information about hands-free accessories and options for direct connection from the cell phone to your processor. 

Now for a question from a parent of a Nucleus user, “What are all of these wires that came with the sound processor…and what can we do with them?”

Are you looking for a quiet activity that will keep your children occupied longer than five minutes at a time?  If so, it’s the perfect time to try out your Nucleus accessories.   Direct connection from an audio component to the cochlear implant sound processor provides the best possible sound quality.   This is a great way for cochlear implant users to develop fine listening skills when listening to a story, or to develop an appreciation of music by listening to their favorite CDs. 

The Nucleus TV HiFi Cable can be safely connected to televisions, computers, stereos, or DVD players.  The square box incorporated into the cable provides surge protection so it can be used with components that are connected to electrical power. 

The Personal Audio Cable is designed for use with battery-operated components like an Ipod, CD player or Gameboy. 

The TV HiFi Cable and the Personal Audio Cable work just like headphones, so all you need is a headphone jack and the proper cable.  Never fear…if you aren’t quite sure how to use the Nucleus accessories, our Accessory Guides might be just what you’re looking for.

Questions submitted to Ask Linn can be about anything related to your cochlear implant. If you have a question for Linn, please submit it to Linn via email, and it may appear in our next edition of Nucleus News.
Happy listening!    Linn

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