Nowadays, the mobile phone network is a lot more dependable (and there’s a lot less static involved). But in some cases, it will still be challenging to hear what the individual on the other end is saying. And for people who have hearing loss, it can be especially difficult.
There must be a simple solution for that, right? Why not utilize a set of hearing aids to make your phone conversations a little clearer? Well, that isn’t… exactly… the way it works. Even though hearing aids do help with conversations, with phone conversations it can be a bit more challenging. But there are certainly a few things you can do to make your phone conversations more successful.
Why hearing aids and phone calls don’t always get along
Hearing loss typically develops gradually. Your hearing typically doesn’t just go. It tends to go a little at a time. This can make it hard to even detect when you have hearing loss, particularly because your brain tries really hard to fill in the gaps with context clues and other visual information.
So when you get on a phone, all of that contextual data disappears. There’s no extra information for your brain to work with. You only hear parts and pieces of the other person’s voice which sounds muffled and distorted.
Hearing aids can be helpful – here’s how
This can be improved by wearing hearing aids. They’ll particularly help your ears fill in many of those missing pieces. But there are some unique accessibility and communication troubles that occur from using hearing aids while talking on the phone.
For instance, placing your hearing aids close to a phone speaker can cause some harsh speaker-to-speaker interference. This can result in some uncomfortable gaps in conversation because you can’t hear really well.
Improving your ability to hear phone conversations
So what measures can be taken to help make your hearing aids function better with a phone? the majority of hearing specialists will recommend a few tips:
- Make use of video apps: Face-timing somebody or hopping onto a video chat can be a very good way to help you hear better. The sound won’t be louder or more clear, but at least you will have that visual information back. And this can help you add context to what’s being said.
- Try utilizing speakerphone to conduct the majority of your phone calls: Most feedback can be avoided this way. Your phone calls may not be very private, but even though there still might be a little distortion, you should be able to better make out the voice on the other end. Knowing how to better hold your phone with hearing aids (that is, away from your ears) is essential, and speakerphone is how you achieve this!
- Use other assistive hearing devices: There are other assistive devices and services that can help you hear better when you’re having a phone conversation (and this includes many text-to-type services).
- Find a quiet setting to carry out your phone conversations. It will be a lot easier to hear the voice on the other end if there’s less noise. If you limit background noise during phone calls your hearing aids will perform so much better.
- You can use your Bluetooth function on your hearing aid to connect to your phone. Yes, contemporary hearing aids can connect to your cellphone using Bluetooth! This means that if your hearing aids are Bluetooth capable, phone calls can be streamed straight to your phone. If you’re having trouble using your phone with your hearing aid, a good place to begin getting rid of feedback would be switching to Bluetooth.
- Be honest with the person you’re speaking with on the phone: If phone calls are difficult for you, it’s okay to admit that! You may simply need to be a little extra patient, or you may want to think about switching to text, email, or video chat.
Depending on your general hearing needs, how frequently you use the phone, and what you use your phone for, the appropriate set of solutions will be available. With the correct approach, you’ll have the resources you need to begin enjoying those phone conversations again.
Contact us for some help and guidance on how to best use your phone and hearing aids at the same time.
