Mobile 'phone for hard of hearing

[Deleted User]

I'll be grateful if anyone can recommend a good mobile 'phone suitable for hard of hearing. When I'm out I can hardly ever hear well enough to understand mobile calls. As a result I don't make calls when I'm out. I'd like to be able to use my mobile 'phone more effectively - especially outside. When I am indoors I manage (only just) by using loud speaker but this is not suitable for out doors.

I'll appreciate any information or advice. Many thanks.

Safetyone

It is poss to buy a mobile Loop for use with the T switch on the aid ......I have a mp3 player which I use via the mobile loop and the good thing is you dont have any wires running up to your ears.I have read that mobile phones can be used this way ,not sure which brand of phone .but like I say the loop can be bought for around £20 shop about for one prices vary ,,,Hope this helps

[Deleted User]

Thank you very much for your reply Safetyone. I'm afraid I've given up on my hearing aid. (I have moderate loss in one ear and mild loss in the other and several return visits to Audiology haven't been able to help. I even had a new mould made as I have psoriasis in my ear canals (itchy+++!) but, unfortunately, I'm still struggling.) Audiology really have done their best - I think it's just me. Treatment for the psoriasis only helps occasionally.

Thank you, again. Your reply is appreciated.

piglet4

Take a look at the Connevans, Action on Hearing Loss and Sarabec websites. They all sell mobiles (and lots of other gadgets) for the hard of hearing. I use Connevans a lot, they are very helpful and friendly.

Also, have you tried using a headset? This will cut out a lot of background noise when you are outside, and you get sound in both ears which helps a lot.

Hope this helps, good luck!

[Deleted User]

piglet4 wrote: »

Take a look at the Connevans, Action on Hearing Loss and Sarabec websites. They all sell mobiles (and lots of other gadgets) for the hard of hearing. I use Connevans a lot, they are very helpful and friendly.

Also, have you tried using a headset? This will cut out a lot of background noise when you are outside, and you get sound in both ears which helps a lot.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Thanks very much, Piglet4. I'll definitely look into your suggestions.

[Deleted User]

I've checked out your links, Piglet4, and they are first class - thank you. I've sent off for some information and I'm now hopeful of a solution.

piglet4

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thank you very much for your reply Safetyone. I'm afraid I've given up on my hearing aid. (I have moderate loss in one ear and mild loss in the other and several return visits to Audiology haven't been able to help. I even had a new mould made as I have psoriasis in my ear canals (itchy+++!) but, unfortunately, I'm still struggling.) Audiology really have done their best - I think it's just me. Treatment for the psoriasis only helps occasionally.

Thank you, again. Your reply is appreciated.

By the way, Deleted_User, sorry to hear you've been struggling with your hearing aid. Is the problem just the itching/psoriasis? In this case there ARE things that can be done. If you think a hearing aid would help you, please don't give up!

Firstly, you could try an "open fit" aid rather than one with a custom mould, so there is less contact with the ear canal and better ventilation. These are now widely available on the NHS.

Secondly, there are "bone conduction" aids where there is nothing actually inside the ear. This is ideal for someone with chronic ear canal problems. These aids may be worn as a headband, disguised as spectacles, or surgically implanted.

Have gone way off-topic here, but hope it might be useful info!

[Deleted User]

I really appreciate the information you've given, Piglet4. When I wear the hearing aid it is quite uncomfortable and eventually the itching (from the psoriasis) forces me to take it out. I'm not familiar with the terminology or the different types of aids available on the NHS. To be fair the technician was very helpful - I just didn't want to be awkward as I'd already been back twice (three times including my first fitting appointment) and still had problems.

If I'm still struggling I'll ask to go back and see if they know about the ones you have suggested - they sound good.

Many thanks indeed.

Savvy_Sue

Deleted_User wrote: »

I just didn't want to be awkward as I'd already been back twice (three times including my first fitting appointment) and still had problems.

You are not being awkward. It may take several visits to get it right, but you won't be the only one who needs several visits to get it sorted.

Think of it this way, the NHS (presumably) have provided you with an aid which costs a fair bit of money. If you don't use it, that's wasted. So what if it takes several repeat visits? if that means you end up able to use your hearing aid, it's worth it.

(Says the woman who needs to go and get hers adjusted again because it's still whistling when certain frequencies are played on TV ...)

Having said that, you may still not find it possible to get a mobile phone working with your hearing aid: when you're out and about the environment often isn't conducive to making calls anyway!

My only other suggestion would be texting!

[Deleted User]

Thank you for your post, Savvy_Sue. I do need to go back to Audiology and ask for more help. Texting isn't an option as I would love to be able to answer a call (incoming) on my mobile when I'm out. Also - I wanted to call a taxi and, although they answered my call - I couldn't hear the operator and had to give up. I appreciate your suggestions. Thank you again.

Crimson