Finding Cell Phones for the Hearing Impaired
Cell phones can be problematic for those with a hearing impairment; with limited volume, poor seal around the ear that allows background noise to intrude, and transmissions that interfere with hearing aids.
On this page you can discover how to find the best cell phone for hearing impaired individuals and those who are deaf: the features to look for when shopping and the other devices that can make communication easier. Just remember to always "try before you buy" to assure any phone you choose meets your needs, then, to get the best deals, buy online.
For those interested in a corded or cordless amplified phone be sure to visit Amplified Phones.
On this page you can discover how to find the best cell phone for hearing impaired individuals and those who are deaf: the features to look for when shopping and the other devices that can make communication easier. Just remember to always "try before you buy" to assure any phone you choose meets your needs, then, to get the best deals, buy online.
For those interested in a corded or cordless amplified phone be sure to visit Amplified Phones.What Are the Critical Cell Phone Features to Consider for the Hearing Impaired?
There are a number of features to consider when selecting a cell phone for the hearing impaired:Learn all about these features below.
Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones
Some cell phones are designated as being compatible with hearing aids. When a cell phone and hearing aid are in close proximity, interference can result; creating a buzzing sound that makes hearing voice on a cell phone difficult, or in some cases, virtually impossible.Both cell phones and hearing aids have an "M" (microphone) and/or a "T" (telecoil) rating. Users should compare ratings based on which setting they use on their hearing aid while on the cell phone. The higher the rating, the better the phone should work with their hearing aid.
An ideal cell phone for the hearing impaired who wear a hearing aid should have a rating of at least M3/T3 or M4/T4. If the combined rating of the cell phone and the users hearing aid is 6 or better they should get satisfactory results.
Just a few of the cell phones available which meet the hearing aid compatibility standards are shown near the bottom of this page.
Cell Phone Volume Control
Another very simple step when seeking a cell phone for the hearing impaired is to identify models that offer a volume control which increase volume adequately. The only way to really know for sure is to go into the store and try one out.Potential buyers also need to check out the volume control to assure that it is easy and convenient to operate as it may be a frequently used function.
For some who aren't in the market for a new cell phone, a cell phone amplifier might be considered as well.
There are a few cell phone models that offer padding around the earpiece that help to filter out background noise. Having less unwanted noise competing with the signal the listener needs to hear results in easier communication.
Jitterbug Cell Phone
The Jitterbug cell phone is one option that offers good volume and a padded earpiece. However, this cell phone is a simplified device and doesn't offer all the video capable features many younger users desire but is a great device for someone wanting a basic cell phone that is easier to hear. A Jitterug cell phone also offers a T4 rating for those with telecoil hearing aids, and has larger, easy to use buttons and simple commands.
If a Jitterbug cell phone doesn't sound right for you find out more about other options below. However, if a Jitterbug's senior friendly cell phone sounds like your kind of phone learn more here.
If a Jitterbug cell phone doesn't sound right for you find out more about other options below. However, if a Jitterbug's senior friendly cell phone sounds like your kind of phone learn more here.
Cell Phone Amplifiers
The Text Messaging Option as an Alternative to Calling
For some, getting a phone with text messaging capabilities can be a great way of communicating quickly and easily. Most modern cell phones offer texting capabilities and if paired with a data service plan can be a great add on feature.Some have suggested using a Blackberry specifically as it offers text to voice and voice to text capabilitites or perhaps a AT&T Tilt based on it's great texting abilities.
If texting will be the primary method of communication, learning more about data only plans may be in order. Find out more below.
Another Great Texting Cell Phone
Unlocked sidekick 3 gsm smartphone
Amazon Price: $168.95 (as of 07/05/2009) 
T-Mobile Sidekick Phone, Black (T-Mobile)
Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 07/05/2009)
RIM Blackberry 8700c for AT&T
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Data Only Plans for the Deaf and Those with Profound Hearing Loss
Finding the right cell phone for the hearing impaired or deaf individual is only the start in some casees. Finding the right plan can be equally important, especially if the phone will be used primarily for text messaging. Several cellular providers offer data only plans that allow customers who only make use of data services such as text messaging to sign up without requiring voice services.
T-Mobile has the Sidekick Data Plan, AT&T has their Text Accessbility Plan, Sprint has the Relay Data Plan, and US Cellular offers several options inluding a standard wireless plan.
T-Mobile has the Sidekick Data Plan, AT&T has their Text Accessbility Plan, Sprint has the Relay Data Plan, and US Cellular offers several options inluding a standard wireless plan.
Vibration Alert
For the deaf and many of those with hearing loss, a vibration alert is more effective and less intrusive to others than a loud ringtone. Most cell phones offer the option of using a vibration instead of a ringtone, thus this should be an easy to find feature.A phone which can be clipped onto the clothing of the owner allows easy detection of the vibration and thus, a clip or similar feature should be sought. When necessary, clips and similar devices can be purchased separately so this should not be a limiting factor.
Cell Phone Clips
![Cellet Black Universal Cell Phone Swivel Belt Clip with Vehicle Mount - [Retail Packaged]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31AsZ-0eDVL._SL75_.jpg)
Best Cell Phone Design for Those with Hearing Impairment
Cell phones come in two primary designs. Some cell phones are shaped like a "candy bar", just a rectangular shape with no need to flip it open to use it.The best cell phone for the hearing impaired individual however, ideally has a "clam shell" design" which flips open giving the phone a longer profile. Such phones are more easily held to the ear and can even offer the padding mentioned earlier to block out background noise.
In addition, the longer profile of such cell phones provides increased distance from the transmission components of the cell phone, minimizing any interference that may occur as a result of proximity to any hearing aid.
Other Cell Phone Considerations for Those with Hearing Impairment
Using the telecoil setting on a hearing aid tends to decrease background noise and feedback. However, even the backlight on a cell phone can create problems, thus a cell phone that allows users to switch off the backlight is preferred to reduce the occurence of intrusive noise.
Some manufacturers have also developed neckloops that can help increase the distance between the compenents of the cell phone and the telecoil. These neckloops can provide the convenience of handsfree operation while driving.
Some manufacturers have also developed neckloops that can help increase the distance between the compenents of the cell phone and the telecoil. These neckloops can provide the convenience of handsfree operation while driving.
Cell Phone Neckloops
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VCO Capabilities for a Cell Phone
A VCO (Voice Carry Over) Phone is similar to a standard amplified phone with a text screen for typed messages. A VCO phone allows the deaf or HOH person to speak directly into the handset to communicate. The call is routed through a VCO service and when the person receiving the call responds, an assistant types the message for the deaf or HOH person to read.
This method of calling allows those with severe hearing impairment to communicate more normally and much faster than when using a regular TTY where they have to type.
Now there are VCO machines that can be used with cell phones which allow easier and faster communication with these devices.
This method of calling allows those with severe hearing impairment to communicate more normally and much faster than when using a regular TTY where they have to type.
Now there are VCO machines that can be used with cell phones which allow easier and faster communication with these devices.
Voice Carry Over Phones
Krown Pocket Speak and Read VCO - Cellular Version
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Is Hatis the Answer?
Hatis is a simple earpeice with an induction coupler that goes into the ear. It can be used with both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear T-coil hearing aids for those with moderate to profound hearing loss. It allows such individuals to hear conversations with much better audio quality.It can plug into any audio jack, from cell phones and landlines to equipment such as a television or MP3 player. It's highly portable and light weight making it extremely comfortable and inconspicuous.
Free trials of this device are available through Verizon Wireless stores and local audiologists.
See a demo of Hatis here.
Want to Learn More about Cell Phones for the Hearing Impaired?
- Consumer Affairs article
- Information about the transition to all digital networks in the US cellular industry and how this will effect those who wear hearing aids and use cell phones.
- FCC Fact Sheet
- Information from the FCC about requirements on cellular providers/cell phone manufacturers to provide hearing aid compatible cell phones.
- Gallaudet Information Page
- Information about why cell phones are problematic for those with hearing loss and tips on choosing an appropriate cell phone.
- Access Wireless article
- More detailed information about "M" and "T" ratings. Be sure to access the links at the bottom of the article for more information.
- Buzzle
- An informative article about choosing the right cell phone if you wear a hearing aid.
The Future of Cell Phones for the Deaf
In Sweden and Japan, the deaf community has the advantage of being able to use sign language to communicate with their cell phone. In the US our phones and cellular networks can't accomodate this. However, that may be changing as a team out of the Unviersity of Washington has introduced software that will compensate for the low data transmission rates used in the US.
Watch the video below or read this story at Science Daily to learn more.
Watch the video below or read this story at Science Daily to learn more.
MobileASL: Will Signing via Cell Phone be available in 2009?
When You're Ready to Buy a New Cell Phone
Now you know how to select the best cell phone for with hearing impaired individual. When you are ready to shop, the best deals for cell phones and cell phone plans can often be found online. Shopping in a brick and mortar store to try out a phone is wise, then returning online to find the best deal is recommended. Several surveys have shown that online shoppers experience greater satisfaction rates.
You can find phones below or visit our recommended store which offers free shipping:
You can find phones below or visit our recommended store which offers free shipping:
Just a Few of the Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones
More Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones
Other Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones
Help Others Find the Best Cell Phones and Gear--Add Your Thoughts!
What Have You Used that Works Well for Those with Hearing Impairment?
Sidekick Slide
I have a deaf friend who uses the T-Mobile Sidekic more...1 point
Get Pay Day Loans and Personal Loans
http://www.sqiudoo.com/getpersonalloans0 points
News about Cell Phones and Other Phones for the Hearing Impaired from Google
- Tech2.com India > Pantech Develops Phone for Hearing Impaired ...
- Pantech, the Korean mobile phone manufacturer has developed a mobile phone that will be effective even for people who have hearing problems. The Pantech A1407PT is a clamshell phone which uses bone conducting technology to transmit ...
- Phone Deaf? Hear Now, Loud AND Clear
- phone for hearing impaired mom. Submitted on November 30th, 2008 by Anonymous. My mother just bought a new home and is hard of hearing. My dad is does not like to hear the phone ring all the time. so we are looking for a phone she can ...
- (EXPIRED) April Giveaway #2 - $50 Amazon Gift Card ~ Freebies and ...
- I need to buy new phone for hearing impaired. rajikarthik@hotmail.com. April 29, 2009 10:35 PM · Laurey said... I love shopping on Amazon. It is one of my favorites! April 30, 2009 12:14 AM · MelADramatic Mommy said. ...
- Sony Ericsson W710i (W712a?) Walkman sports phone approved by FCC ...
- So it might be that Sony Ericsson W712a is a special version of a W710i Walkman Sports Phone for hearing impaired, because all other features on this mobile are just like in W710i: General looks sans antenna; Fitness applications ...
Have an Old Cell Phone You Want to Sell?
Cell Phones for the Hearing Impaired: Did You Find What You Need?
If you did not find what you were looking for be sure to visit our full service communications and home electronics store.
kiwisoutback wrote...
Nice work! I know quite a few older people that NEED these. It's one of the most frustrating things for people with good hearing to have to repeat yourself time and time again. I'm lensrolling this to my Crackberry lens and blessing it.
Posted June 26, 2009
hempnecklace wrote...
You are cordially invited to join my shopping group if you havn't done so already.
My Squidoo Shopping Group
Click here To join the shopping group.
thank you
David Depape
Posted April 21, 2009
Ramkitten wrote...
My mom could certainly use one of these. We have a heck of a time having a conversation when she's on her cell (let alone when we're in the same room). This is very well done lens. I hadn't known these special products existed, actually. I'll lensroll this to a cell phone-related lens I have and put it in the discovery (intro) module as well. Great job here.
Posted April 09, 2009
Lensmaster
LoriB wrote
vibrating alert is fine but what about at night and someone needs to call as an emergency? I have a landline phone hooked up to a lamp as an alerting device~ it lights up when the phone rings. why isn't there one for cell phones????
Posted March 08, 2009
Lensmaster
Mike wrote
in reply to Mike here is the url for the article:
http://www.yodaphone.com/savecellular.aspx
Posted February 09, 2009
Photo Credits
Introduction: absolutwade.
Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones: kateweb.
Text Messaging Option: Iamsam.
Cell Phone Volume Control: cursedthing.
Vibration Alert: Okko Pykko.
Best Cell Phone Design: Sarah Jones.
Hatis: aymlis.
Critical Cell Phone Features: dougbelshaw.
This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
Introduction: absolutwade.
Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones: kateweb.
Text Messaging Option: Iamsam.
Cell Phone Volume Control: cursedthing.
Vibration Alert: Okko Pykko.
Best Cell Phone Design: Sarah Jones.
Hatis: aymlis.
Critical Cell Phone Features: dougbelshaw.
This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
by mulberry
As the webmaster of an online cellular and electronics store. I made this one page resource for shoppers looking for cell phones for the hea...
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