Using a cell phone can be challenging for cochlear implant users. Cell Phones transmit and receive voice communication using radio signals. This transmission combined by the electromagnetic interference of the phone itself, cause varying degrees of interference (buzzing) when we hold the phone up to our processors.
The notes on this page are current as of the date shown at the top of the page. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Ed O'Brien
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Hearing Aid Compatibility Ratings
Beginning September 18, 2006, the FCC requires vendors to identify phones in their line up that exhibit less interference to hearing aids and cochlear implant processors. A phone with acceptable interference is labeled M3. If you wish to use your phone normally without a T-Coil, buy a phone rated M3. But if you wish to use your phone with your processor set on T-Coil or using HATIS Silhouette, look for a phone rated T3. You can search for phones here www.phonescoop.com. When you do a search here, you need to select "Show All Options" so the Hearing Aid Compatibility options display.
Hint! The FCC does not allow the T rating to exceed the M rating. That means a phone rated M3/T3 might actually be M3/T4, but the manufacturer is not allowed to tell you when this is the case. Why is this important? Well, if your carrier uses the GSM network like at&t/t-mobile, you'll notice no T4 phones. But try them out. You'll discover some work better than most. The new RAZR 2 from Motorola is excellent GSM selection.
Verizon
at&tThe V8 is aka RAZR 2 and is excellent rated T3, but sounds like T4.
US Cellular - nothing published
T-Mobile - nothing published
Sprint/Nextel
All T-Coil Phones reported by Phonescoop
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Handsfree
If you want a hands free method to use your cell phone, there are three approaches. Direct Connect, T-Coil, or Bluetooth.
To use Direct Connect you'll need a cell phone with a 2.5mm headset jack. If your phone doesn’t have one, you might be able to get a converter cable. For example, Motorola’s popular Razr has a USB headset jack, but Motorola sells a converter cable (SKN6221A) for about $60. You will also need a cable based from your cochlear manufacturer:
3G - accessory adaptor cable
Clarion - direct connect ear hook
Freedom - personal audio cable + a 3.5mm female to female gender changer, sometimes called a coupler F/F.
This may have come with your processor when you were first hooked up. On the end of your direct connect cable is a female jack. The final piece to the puzzle is a cochlear implant cellular cable. You can find this from online stores such as SoundBytes See Accessories for suggestions. It has a small 2.5mm jack to fit into your phone and a 3.5mm connector to plug into CI's cable. This is really the same thing you see our hearing friends plug into their cell phones, but instead of earbuds, it has a phono jack. There is a microphone on the cable that sends your voice to the cell phone. This cable can also be used with your iPod or other personal audio sources, although and an adapter from Radio Shack is needed to convert the 2.5mm jack to 3.5mm.
If you already have a personal audio cable you use for your MP3 player, you could extend it right to your cell phone with a product from Cochlear Implant & Hearing Aid Interface Systems
If your processor has a T-Coil, it may be more convenient to use a T-Coil cell phone cable. On the premium end are products like the Freedom Mach I by HATIS, but you might also consider the T-Link from Pure Direct Sound. An excellent and cheaper powered loop option is the CLA7v2 from Clearsounds.
The T-Coil option is cheaper and less cumbersome than the Direct Connect, but it only works if your processor has a T-Coil. And the normal quirks (possible interference) of T-coil use do not go away. Depending on how your processor is programmed, you might not be able to hear your voice when you speak. Before investing in a T-Coil solution make sure your car won't interfere with your T-Coil. To test it, sit in your car and turn on the engine. Flip your processor to T-Coil. If you hear a loud buzzing, a direct connection is better for you.
Hint! A lot of buzzing you hear when using a t-coil can be reduced by lowering the sensitivity on your processor. So if your processor allows this adjustment try it. Freedom users report this helps a lot.
If you have a bluetooth enabled cell phone and can use a t-coil, try the Beetle or Artone. The best place to learn about these and to get one is at www.TecEar.com TecEar is a good place to learn about all options for using your cell phone more effectively. The Beetle is also known as the NoizFree.
Note: When shopping note that 3.5mm plug = 1/8" plug = mini-plug
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Other Info
8.10.2006 ETO Engineering Bluetooth Neckloop is an interesting way to take advantage of your T-Coil without connecting to your bluetooth enabled cell phone.
12.14.2006 T/M Phone List from Cochlear Americas is another list of T and M rated cell phones by carrier.
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