Making phone calls with a hearing aid

Talking on the phone with a hearing aid can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. Modern technologies now enable a direct connection between the phone and the hearing system, making conversations much easier to understand. From Bluetooth streaming and induction coils to special senior citizen phones, there are various solutions available that make everyday phone calls easier. The key is choosing the right technology and optimizing it to suit individual needs.

Basics and challenges of making phone calls with a hearing aid

Telephoning presents a special challenge for people with hearing loss. Unlike face-to-face conversations, there are no visual cues such as lip movements or facial expressions. At the same time, background noise can further impair speech intelligibility. The quality of the telephone transmission plays a key role here, as compressed audio signals are often more difficult for hearing aids to process than natural speech.

Modern hearing aid technology now offers numerous options for overcoming these challenges. Direct transmission of the telephone signal to the hearing aid can significantly improve intelligibility. This minimizes background noise and transmits speech clearly and distinctly directly into the ear. Clear communication in everyday and professional life is essential for many people with hearing loss, which is why there is a great need for practical solutions.

Understanding compatibility labels

Special classifications exist to determine the suitability of phones for hearing aid users. For mobile phones, the so-called M and T ratings are used. The M rating evaluates the acoustic coupling and indicates how well the phone reduces feedback and background noise. The scale ranges from M1 to M4, with M4 representing the best compatibility and enabling virtually interference-free use.

The T rating, on the other hand, measures compatibility with inductive transmission via the hearing aid's telecoil. Here too, T4 represents the highest level and ensures optimal signal transmission. For landline telephones, there is the HAC (Hearing Aid Compatible) label. All public telephones, workplace telephones, and emergency telephones must meet these compatibility requirements to ensure barrier-free communication.

Direct digital transmission via streaming

The most advanced method for making phone calls with a hearing aid is direct digital transmission via wireless technology. Many modern hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth and can be connected directly to smartphones or other devices. This technology transmits the sound of the conversation directly to both hearing aids, resulting in crystal-clear speech transmission with minimal background noise.

With this solution, the hearing aids function as a wireless headset. The phone no longer needs to be held to the ear, enabling hands-free calling and a high level of comfort. The voice of the person on the other end of the line is played directly into the ear, while the user's own voice is picked up by the microphones in the hearing aids or smartphone. With some systems, calls can be answered and ended directly by briefly pressing or tapping the hearing aid.

Bluetooth protocols and standards

It is important to note that not all Bluetooth connections function in the same way. Different protocols govern communication between hearing aids and phones. Made for iPhone (MFI) is a special protocol for Apple devices, while Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) was developed for Android smartphones. The newer Bluetooth LE Audio standard promises even better sound quality with lower energy consumption and could unify both systems in the future.

The compatibility between hearing aids and smartphones should be checked before purchase. Not all Bluetooth standards are compatible with each other, which can lead to connection problems or limited functionality. Hearing care professionals can advise on the selection of compatible devices and assist with setting up the connection. Professional advice on aids and technology helps to find the optimal solution.

Accessories for wireless pairing

If the hearing aid or telephone does not support a direct Bluetooth connection, special accessories are often required. These additional devices, known as streamers, transmitters, or telephone adapters, serve as a wireless interface between the telephone and the hearing system. They receive the audio signal from the telephone and forward it directly to the hearing aids, achieving a sound quality similar to that of a direct Bluetooth connection.

For landline phones, such devices can be connected between the house line and the terminal device. They usually require their own power supply and must be paired with the hearing aids once. Specific accessories such as the ConnectClip or Easy LE Adapter transform hearing aids into wireless headsets and enable hands-free telephony even with older devices. For behind-the-ear hearing aids, audio shoes can also be used to connect to additional devices.

Inductive transmission and telephone coil

The induction coil, also known as a T-coil or telephone coil, is a proven feature in many hearing aids. It enables wireless connection to compatible phones through electromagnetic signal transmission. When the coil is activated, the electromagnetic voice signals are picked up from the telephone receiver and transmitted directly to the hearing aid, bypassing the phone's speaker.

This method significantly improves voice transmission and sound quality by effectively reducing background noise. The sound is transmitted directly to the hearing aid without any detours, which can be particularly advantageous in noisy environments. However, special telephones that can generate the necessary electromagnetic field are required to use the T-coil. Many landline phones and public telephones have this feature, while it is rarely found on smartphones.

Neck loop as an alternative

Neck loops offer another option for inductive transmission. These are worn around the neck and generate an electromagnetic field that can be received by the T-coil of the hearing aid. The neck loop is connected to the telephone or other audio device and transmits the signal inductively. This solution is particularly practical for people who want to use different audio sources, as the neck loop is universally applicable.

Special telephones for hearing aid users

Special telephones are available for people with hearing impairments, often referred to as senior citizen telephones or telephones for the hard of hearing. These devices are either directly compatible with hearing aids or have features that help even without direct coupling. A characteristic feature is an adjustable receiver volume, which can be up to 40 dB above the normal telephone volume. The ringtone volume can be increased to up to 95 dB on many models, which allows incoming calls to be reliably detected even with severe hearing loss.

In addition, these phones are characterized by simplified operation. Large, easy-to-feel buttons make them easy to use, even for people with limited fine motor skills. High-contrast displays with large fonts improve readability. Direct dial buttons allow you to quickly call frequently contacted people with just one touch of a button. Some models also offer an emergency call function that can be used to quickly call for help in case of an emergency.

Additional signaling functions

Modern special-purpose phones and some smartphones offer additional features that make telephoning easier. Visual call signaling via flashing LEDs or lights makes incoming calls visually noticeable. Vibration wristbands or vibration alarms can also signal incoming calls. Some models feature voice announcements of the dialed numbers or the caller's name, which further simplifies operation.

Security features such as call protection with whitelists and blacklists help block unwanted calls. This can be particularly important for older people with hearing loss, protecting them from telephone scams. The combination of increased volume, simplified operation, and additional signaling functions makes these phones valuable everyday aids for people with hearing loss.

Optimized hearing programs and sound settings

Many modern hearing aids offer special hearing programs that are specifically optimized for telephone conversations. These programs individually adjust the amplification and filter settings of the hearing system to the conditions of a telephone conversation. This improves speech intelligibility by, for example, minimizing feedback and regulating the processing of background noise.

The hearing programs can be activated automatically as soon as the hearing aid detects a phone nearby, or manually via a button on the device or a smartphone app. Some systems also allow sound profiles to be adjusted to emphasize certain frequency ranges. For example, high frequencies can be amplified to make sibilant sounds easier to understand, while low frequencies can be adjusted to support personal hearing ability.

Artificial intelligence and transcription

Modern technologies go beyond mere sound enhancement. Artificial intelligence can analyze listening situations in real time and automatically adjust the sound quality to optimal levels. Voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant enable hands-free operation of the phone, which can be particularly helpful for people with limited mobility.

One particularly valuable feature is real-time transcription of phone calls, also known as speech-to-text. This displays the spoken text as live subtitles on the smartphone screen, allowing the user to read along. This greatly facilitates communication, especially in noisy environments or when the other party's speech is unclear. Some apps offer this feature free of charge and can be a valuable addition to acoustic transmission.

Proper handling depending on the type of hearing aid

The correct position of the telephone receiver is crucial for acoustic coupling in order to achieve optimal sound quality and avoid feedback. With in-ear devices that sit completely in the ear canal, the microphone is located directly in the ear. Therefore, the telephone receiver can usually be held to the ear as usual without any special adjustments being necessary.

The situation is different for behind-the-ear devices. The microphone is located at the top of the hearing aid behind the ear. To ensure clear sound transmission, the telephone receiver should be positioned higher up or slightly behind the ear. This aligns the telephone speaker directly with the hearing aid microphone. This positioning may seem unusual at first, but it results in significantly better intelligibility.

Avoiding feedback

Feedback occurs when the amplified sound from the hearing aid is picked up again by the microphone. This results in unpleasant whistling noises that can make conversation impossible. Correct positioning of the receiver is the first step in avoiding such interference. In addition, modern hearing aids feature feedback suppression, which automatically detects and eliminates such noise.

When using streaming technologies via Bluetooth, this problem is completely eliminated, as the sound is transmitted directly in digital form and there is no acoustic coupling. This is one of the major advantages of wireless transmission and makes hands-free calling particularly convenient and interference-free.

Optimization of the conversation environment

Even the best technology can only be effective if the conditions are right. For important phone calls, it is advisable to choose a quiet environment. Disturbing noises such as a running TV or loud TV speakers should be minimized or turned off. Conversations between other people in the room can also impair intelligibility.

Choosing a quiet place not only helps with better communication, but also reduces the effort required to listen. People with hearing loss often have to concentrate harder to understand speech. This is much easier in a quiet environment, and conversations become less tiring.

Communication with the conversation partner

It can be helpful to inform the person you are talking to about your hearing situation at the beginning of the call. They will usually be happy to speak slowly and clearly. Pauses between sentences give you time to process what has been said. Important information such as names, addresses, or numbers can also be sent in writing via text message or email if necessary.

For longer or complex conversations, it may be useful to make an appointment so that you can prepare for the call in peace. Video calls can also be an alternative, as they provide additional visual information such as lip movements, which make it easier to understand.

Expert advice and customized solutions

Since there are no legally binding standards for compatibility between all phones and hearing aids, it is often necessary to try out different solutions in practice. Hearing care professionals are the right people to contact for all questions relating to connecting hearing aids and phones. They can help with configuring devices, setting up hearing programs, and selecting the right accessories.

Various solutions can be tested in the hearing aid workshop to find the best option for each individual. Both the technical capabilities of the existing hearing aid and the personal needs and habits of the user are taken into account. Some people prefer a direct Bluetooth connection, while others get on better with an induction coil.

Ongoing adjustment and optimization

After the initial setup, further fine adjustments may be necessary. The volume during phone calls may be perceived differently than during normal conversations. The balance between the voice of the person you are talking to and your own voice can often be optimized. Modern hearing aid apps often allow users to customize these settings themselves.

Regular check-ups with your hearing care professional help to adjust settings as needed and learn about new features. Technology is constantly evolving, and many hearing aids can be equipped with new features through software updates. Good support ensures that the full potential of the technology is exploited.

Practical tips for everyday life

In addition to technical equipment, there are a few practical tips that make it easier to use a hearing aid when talking on the phone. It should be possible to adjust the volume during a call as needed. With many systems, this can be done directly via the hearing aid or an accompanying app. Volume that is too high can be just as problematic as volume that is too low, as it can lead to distortion.

During longer phone calls, you should pay attention to the battery level of your hearing aids. Bluetooth streaming consumes more energy than normal hearing aid use. It is advisable to check whether the batteries are sufficiently charged before important or longer conversations. For rechargeable hearing aids, a charging station at the telephone location may be useful.

Use of various devices

Many modern hearing aids can be paired with multiple devices simultaneously. This allows for seamless switching between smartphones, landline phones with adapters, and other audio sources. Multiple connections are usually managed automatically, so incoming calls can be received regardless of the device.

For people who make a lot of calls both professionally and privately, it can be useful to create different hearing programs for different situations. One program for quiet office conversations, one for phone calls in noisy environments, and possibly another for video conferences. You can quickly switch between these programs using the hearing aid app or directly on the device.

Future prospects and developments

The technology for making phone calls with hearing aids is constantly evolving. Bluetooth LE Audio promises even better sound quality with lower energy consumption and could standardize the various protocols in the future. This would further improve compatibility between different devices and simplify setup.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into hearing aids, enabling ever-improving automatic adjustments to different listening situations. AI can also help during phone calls by separating speech from background noise and further improving intelligibility. Some manufacturers are already working on systems that can recognize different voices and process them differently.

The integration of hearing aids into smart home systems offers further possibilities. Incoming calls could be indicated by light signals throughout the house. Connecting to doorbells or smoke detectors increases security. The use of voice assistants is also becoming more convenient and natural thanks to direct integration into hearing aids.