How to Make Phone Conversations Easier with Hearing Aids

If you wear hearing aids, you know they can improve your hearing in many situations. However, phone conversations can still pose a challenge. Without the visual cues and context that come with face-to-face communication, it can be harder to understand the person on the other end of the line. Fortunately, there are several tips and strategies you can use to make your phone calls clearer and more successful, especially if you're wearing hearing aids.

Let’s dive into why phone calls can be tricky with hearing aids and explore practical solutions to improve your phone experience.

Why Phone Calls Are More Challenging with Hearing Aids

Hearing loss typically develops gradually over time, which can make it difficult to recognize the changes in your hearing ability. When you're having a conversation in person, your brain uses a variety of cues—such as lip-reading, body language, and environmental sounds—to help fill in the gaps. However, when you’re on the phone, all of this contextual information disappears. You’re left with sound alone, and the voice of the person on the other end might sound muffled or distorted.

Even though hearing aids can help amplify sound, they don’t always provide the clarity you need for phone conversations. Phones transmit sound through a small speaker, and the frequencies they transmit may not align with your specific hearing needs. This can cause feedback, distortion, and difficulty hearing certain frequencies clearly.

Best Practices for Better Phone Conversations with Hearing Aids

Here are some expert tips to help you improve your phone conversations while using hearing aids:

1. Connect Your Hearing Aids to Your Phone via Bluetooth

   Many modern hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled, which allows you to stream phone calls directly to your hearing aids. This eliminates feedback and distortion and makes calls more private.

2. Use Video Call Apps Like WhatsApp or Zoom

   Video calls provide visual cues—lip movement, facial expressions, body language—that help supplement audio, making it easier to understand the conversation.

3. Use a Neck Loop or Streamer

   If your hearing aids don’t have Bluetooth, a neck loop or streamer can transmit sound more clearly than the phone speaker, especially in noisy environments.

4. Adjust the Volume on Your Hearing Aids

   Many hearing aids allow adjustable volume or programs designed for phone conversations. Consult your audiologist for optimal settings.

5. Find a Quiet Location

   Reduce background noise whenever possible. A quiet space improves clarity and helps you focus on the conversation.

6. Consider Utilizing the Telecoil Feature (T-Coil)

   The T-coil allows your hearing aids to pick up sound directly from compatible devices, enhancing clarity, especially for landline calls.

7. Be Honest About Your Hearing Needs

   Communicate openly with the person on the phone. Ask them to speak clearly or slowly if needed. Alternatively, consider text messages or video calls when appropriate.

Final Thoughts

While phone calls can be challenging for hearing aid users, strategies like connecting via Bluetooth, using video call apps, and leveraging assistive devices can make a big difference. Adjusting hearing aid settings, reducing background noise, and communicating your needs can also improve the experience.

At SOUNDLIFE, we are here to help you navigate the best practices for using your hearing aids with your phone. If you need assistance or further advice on optimizing your hearing aid experience for phone calls, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way!