Cell Phones for the Hearing Impaired

There are a number of features to consider when selecting a cell phone for the hearing impaired:

Compatibility with hearing aids if they are worn

Volume control or additional amplification

Cell phone and earpiece design

Texting capabilities and related plans if voice communication is significantly limited

Vibration alerts and clips to avoid missed calls

Features to reduce interference such as backlight control and neckloops

Ancillary devices to enhance performance such as a VCO attachment or Hatis induction coupler

Learn all about these features below.

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.

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.

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 you're interested in other phones, see our page about the best phones for text messaging.

If texting will be the primary method of communication, learning more about data only plans may be in order as well. Find out more below.

Finding the right cell phone for the hearing impaired or deaf individual is only the start in some cases. 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.

AT&T has their Text Accessbility Plan, Sprint has the Relay Data Plan, and US Cellular offers several options inluding a messaging only plan. Verizon Wireless has data only plans starting at $34.99/month, you can see more here.

It appears that T-Mobile no longer offers their Sidekick plan for text messaging only, but a representative indicates that for those wanting data and texting, the best option would be to purchase the cheapest plan that comes with 500 minutes and unlimited text and data for $70/month. They could then call customer care and have the voice minutes removed, leaving them with a $60/month plan with no voice calling. In addition, however, a T-Mobile partnership with Wal-Mart, does provide a $30/month smart phone plan that provides unlimited Web access and Text Messaging with 100 minutes ot talk. It's not data only, but it might be close enough and affordable enough to be attractive to many who are searching for this type of service.

It's not a cell phone at all, but for under $20/month you get nationwide text messaging and e-mail support for up to 5 accounts. It's the Peek Pronto. It can be found online for $49.99 with monthly service at $19.99, quarterly service for $49.95, annual service for $179.95 or can be purchased for $299 with lifetime service. (No contract is required) Users can view JPEG, PDF, and Word documents. It's also small and lightweight at a mere 3.84 ounces. It features a 2.5" diagonal color QVGA screen and a very roomy, backlit QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging. It's said to have a great battery life of 4 to 5 days and takes only 2 hours to charge. You can see it below.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Cell phones with decent video calling capabilities are finally starting to emerge in the US. Sprint's HTC EVO 4G was the first to hit the market. The 4G connection is said to be 10 times faster than 3G, making the quality of the video much more appropriate for real time communication via sign language. The phone is Android powered, offers Sprint TV, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation, Wi-Fi networking, a 4.3 inch screen, and features an 8 megapixel camer and video recording capabilities. It offers a microSD card slot as well as a front facing camera to allow video "chat". This is a first as far as cell phones for the hearing impaired in this country.

Apple's new iPhone 4 will also offer the front facing camera and will allow users to hold video calls although this works only with other iPhone 4 users and only via Wi-Fi connections. There are now numerous phones with front facing cameras, you can see more of them on our page about video calling.

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.