Hearing aids And Mobile phones - ACMA

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T: 02 6219 5555
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Melbourne VIC 3000
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Sydney NSW 2000
PO Box Q500
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Hearing aids and mobile phones
Mobile phones are a convenient means of
communication and their use is rapidly increasing.
People with a hearing device may experience an
interfering noise when using a mobile phone or when
one is used nearby.
This fact sheet contains information for mobile phone
users who wear a hearing device.
What causes the interference?
The interference is caused by the radio signals
generated by the mobile phone. It can be a buzzing
sound that makes speech hard to understand. In severe
cases, it can make the phone unusable.
How much you are affected by interference from a
mobile phone depends on:
• the type of mobile phone—GSM (global system
for mobiles) or CDMA (code division multiple
access);
• your hearing device;
• the distance between the hearing device and the
mobile phone; and
• your personal tolerance to noise.
The difference between GSM and CDMA
The GSM mobile phone service is the one most
commonly used in Australia. The CDMA service
replaced the analog service when it closed down.
The degree of interference to hearing devices is likely
to be greater when a GSM mobile phone is used.
CDMA mobile phone technology is more suitable for
use with most hearing aids. However, you should be
aware that CDMA phones may also cause interference
in some situations.
Are there situations where interference is
better or worse?
Interference is worse where mobile reception is poor.
Make sure there is good coverage from the network
you choose in the area where you will use your
mobile phone the most.
What about accessories?
If you choose a GSM mobile phone, accessories such
as a hands-free kit may reduce interference. Some
hands-free accessories are designed to be worn behind
the ear.
Different accessories will suit different hearing aids
so check that your hearing device is compatible with
the mobile phone you choose.
Will this problem be solved?
The situation is improving and newer phones cause
fewer problems. New hearing aids may also have
higher levels of immunity and so cause less
interference.
Before you buy a mobile phone, consider:
• whether connecting to the CDMA network would
suit you—most people with a hearing device
experience less interference with a CDMA
phone;
• that the interference will be worse where
reception is poor;
• the type of mobile handset you want to purchase;
• whether the type of hearing aid you use has a Tswitch—a
T-switch might make accessories work
better but can increase interference from features,
for example, signals from the handset display;
• that if you use only one hearing aid, you may be
able to get satisfactory results by using the phone
with the ear that doesn't have the hearing aid;
• how close the antenna is to your ear-it is better to
have the antenna as far from your ear as possible,
so look for a phone that increases the distance
between the phone's antenna and your hearing
aid;
• buying accessories that increase the distance
between the phone and your hearing aid, such as
hands-free attachments and inductive loops;
• the compatibility of the phone you prefer with the
accessories you want to use;having a hands-free
car kit installed if you are going to use the phone
in a vehicle;
• asking people who use mobile phones and have
hearing aids about their experience and what they
recommend;
• shopping around for a mobile phone provider or
outlet who can advise you on the mobile phone
and accessories that are most suitable for you;
• trying the phone before you buy it, at least in the
shop and preferably by borrowing one of a
similar model so you can use it away from the
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shop—if possible, test the phone in the areas
where you will be using it most often and in a
various situations;
• testing the handset you want to purchase for
volume level, speech clarity and the level of
interference;
• going to different shops until you find one where
the people understand about hearing aids and
interference and are willing to help you resolve
it—don't accept assurances without testing the
handset for yourself;
• whether the shop stocks accessories that you can
try; and
• if you know which network you are going to use,
ringing the customer assistance area of the
network to ask about store where you can try the
phones before you buy—not every shop will have
the expertise and equipment to be able to help
you.
More information
More information on mobile phones is available on
ACMA’s website, at Hwww.acma.gov.au (go to For the
public > Consumer and community advice >
Choosing products and services).
Please note: this document is intended as a guide only and should
not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal
advice in individual cases.
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