Mobile Phones

There are two types of mobile telephone currently on the market - analogue and digital. Analogue is the older technology, and is gradually being phased out and replaced by digital technology. Analogue mobile phones were generally okay for people who were hard of hearing, although lack of a decent volume control and hearing aid compatibility meant that only those with a mild to moderate hearing loss could use them. Indeed, some of the analogue mobile phones produced a significant enough magnetic field around the handset, for them to be used with the telecoil in a  hearing aid - the ‘T’ position.

There are still a few analogue mobile phones around, although these will have been phased out by about 2003. If you can still find one, it may be worth trying this option if you want a mobile phone that you can use with a hearing aid. Both Vodaphone and Orange still have analogue networks at present.

The problem with the modern digital phones is that the technology interferes with analogue hearing aids. If you place a digital mobile phone near a normal hearing aid you the hearing aid will buzz. Sometimes this is quite a small buzzing noise, but other times it makes it completely impossible for someone wearing a hearing aid to use the mobile phone.

Using a Digital Mobile Phone with a Neckloop

Nokia 5110 / 6110

So what can be done? One option is to use a mobile phone that can be used with a neckloop. The only phone for which a neckloop is available (at the time of writing) is the Nokia 5110 / 6110. The Nokia LPS-1 Neckloop is a plastic covered loop of wire which is placed round the neck (it can be worn under clothing), and then plugged into the mobile phone. The mobile phone can be carried in the pocket - far enough away from the hearing aid so that there is no interference,  and the hearing aid is switched to the ‘T’ position to use the phone.The neckloop has a built in microphone. The neckloop is powered by three hearing aid batteries, when these are starting to run out the neckloop may cease to work, or not work correctly. If you seem to be having problems with a Nokia neckloop, try replacing the batteries before calling for help.

The Nokia 5110 / 6110 is available on several different networks. Vodaphone also have the Nokia 5110 on a pay-as-you-go basis.

For more information on the different networks and packages for mobile phones, contact any of the major high street retailers in mobile phones.

The Nokia LPS-1 Neckloop can be purchased direct from your mobile phone supplier, or from Connevans for about £59.95. VAT relief is not available on this product.

To make it easier to hear when the mobile phone is ringing, you can buy a vibrating battery. A vibrating battery for the Nokia 5510 / 6110 will cost about £70.

The other advantage of using a neckloop with a hearing aid is that the hearing aid user can cut out background noise, and control the volume of the incoming sound using the hearing aid. With mobile phones often being used in noisy conditions, this can be a great advantage.

Digital Hearing Aids

The new digital hearing aids claim to be compatible with digital mobile phones - that they shouldn’t buzz when near a digital mobile phone. This means that with a digital hearing aid you should be able to use a digital mobile phone without a neckloop. However, you may still have problems because of background noise, lack of sufficient volume control, etc.

Using a Mobile Phone with Text

Short Message Service (SMS)

Another option is the Short Message Service. Some mobile phone networks allow you to send short text messages between mobile phones on the same network. This means that you can send a text message from say one Vodaphone mobile phone to another Vodaphone mobile phone, but not from a Vodaphone mobile phone to an Orange mobile phone.  This service is available on digital mobile phones only. The messages are typed on the mobile phone keypad - a rather fiddly method. Text messages can be up to 160 characters long. Some network providers (eg Vodaphone) also offer a service where they can receive fax and convert the fax to a short message, and allow you to send a short message as a fax.

With short messages you pay per message, not by the length of the call.

Ericsson Chatboard

One digital mobile phone provider  that makes it easier to use the SMS, is Ericsson. Ericsson have produced a small QWERTY keyboard that clips onto the bottom of certain digital mobile phones. You can use the keyboard to enter short messages, or email, or even (potentially) to browse the Internet. The mobile phones can also be used to receive short messages, and email.

One suitable Ericsson phone is the T10s. This also has a vibrating alert. Other features include: caller ID missed calls list choice of musical rings phone book range of services such as call waiting, etc. The Ericsson T10s is available on different networks with a monthly contract; it may become available on a pay-as-you-go basis. There are several Ericsson models that can be used with the Chatboard - ask your mobile phone provider.

Nokia Communicator 9000i

The Nokia Communicator is a combined digital mobile phone and personal organiser. It also has email, fax and Internet capabilities. The phone is slightly thicker and heavier than a normal digital phone, but when opened reveals a keyboard and screen.

The Nokia Communicator cannot be used with the Nokia Neckloop LSP-1, but can be used as a textphone. To use the Communicator as a textphone you need additional software. You can buy a Communicator with the appropriate software from the RNID.

The Future

As mobile phones become used more for email and Internet, it is likely that it will become easier for mobile phones to be used as textphones.

Hearing a Mobile Phone Ring

There are several different options if you find it difficult to hear a mobile phone ring. Most mobile phone manufacturers also provide vibrating batteries, which simply replace the standard battery. Some mobile phones have a vibrating option, others have an optional vibrating module that clips onto the bottom of the phone. Unless the mobile phone has a built in vibrating alert, then there will be an extra charge for the vibrating battery or vibrating module.