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:
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Connect Your Hearing Aids to Your Phone via Bluetooth
One of the best ways to enhance your phone experience is to 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 the feedback and distortion that often occurs when your hearing aids are too close to the phone's speaker. It also makes phone calls more private, as the sound is transmitted directly to your ears.
To connect, simply pair your hearing aids with your phone using Bluetooth. If you're unsure how to do this, consult the user manual of your hearing aids or reach out to your hearing aid provider for assistance.
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Use Video Call Apps Like WhatsApp or Zoom
Video calls, such as those made through WhatsApp or Zoom, can be a game-changer for hearing aid users. While the sound quality of a video call may not be drastically different from a regular phone call, the key benefit is that you can see the person you’re talking to. Visual cues, such as lip movement, facial expressions, and body language, provide valuable context and help you understand the conversation better.
Plus, your brain can use these visual cues to supplement the audio, which makes it easier to fill in the gaps of what you're hearing.
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Use a Neck Loop or Streamer
If your hearing aids don’t have Bluetooth capabilities, another option is to use a neck loop or hearing aid streamer. These devices are designed to help improve sound transmission by connecting directly to your hearing aids. The neck loop or streamer acts as a bridge, transmitting the sound more clearly than the phone speaker alone. This can be particularly helpful in noisy environments or when trying to hear more clearly on a phone call.
Be sure to check with your hearing aid provider to see if your device is compatible with a neck loop or streamer.
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Adjust the Volume on Your Hearing Aids
Many hearing aids have adjustable volume settings that allow you to increase or decrease the amplification. If you’re struggling to hear clearly during a phone call, try adjusting the volume on your hearing aids. Some hearing aids even have programs specifically designed for phone conversations. If you're unsure how to make adjustments, consult with your audiologist to ensure your hearing aids are set up optimally for phone use.
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Find a Quiet Location
Background noise can make phone calls much harder to understand, even with hearing aids. The more noise around you, the more your hearing aids will pick up, and this can interfere with the clarity of the conversation. Whenever possible, try to find a quiet place for your phone calls. Whether it’s a quiet room or a corner away from distractions, reducing background noise can help you focus on the conversation and hear the other person more clearly.
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Consider Utilizing the Telecoil Feature (T-Coil) on Your Hearing Aids
Many hearing aids come with a feature called a telecoil (T-coil). The T-coil allows your hearing aids to pick up sound directly from telephones or other compatible devices, bypassing background noise and enhancing sound quality. If your hearing aids have a T-coil feature, try using it when making phone calls to improve clarity.
The T-coil mode is especially helpful for landline calls, as it provides a clearer signal and reduces distortion. If you're unsure whether your hearing aids have a T-coil, check with your audiologist or hearing aid provider.
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Be Honest About Your Hearing Needs
It's important to communicate openly with the person on the other end of the phone about your hearing needs. If you're struggling to hear them, don’t hesitate to ask them to speak more slowly or clearly. You can also let them know that you’re using hearing aids and may need a bit more patience. Most people will be understanding and willing to adjust their speech to help you hear better.
In some cases, you may prefer to switch to an alternative form of communication, such as text messages or video calls, if a phone call is too challenging.
Final Thoughts
While phone calls can be challenging for hearing aid users, there are several strategies and tools available to improve the experience. Connecting your hearing aids via Bluetooth, using video call apps like WhatsApp or Zoom, and making use of assistive devices such as neck loops and streamers are all excellent ways to enhance your phone conversations.
Additionally, don’t forget to adjust the settings on your hearing aids, reduce background noise, and be honest with the person on the other end of the call about your hearing needs.
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!
