It is common to struggle with telephone conversations as our hearing declines. Sometimes, raising the volume is just not enough.
Where you place the phone on your ear can make all the difference. Cell phones have a very small opening on the earpiece to deliver sound. If that opening is lined up with your ear canal, the sound will be perceived as much louder.
Consider investing in a wireless headset or earbuds for your cell phone. If the headset you choose is not comfortable or doesn’t fit well, bring it to your Audiologist. We can design a custom earmold or sleeve for a perfect fit. Listening through both ears will allow for the very best hearing and will reduce background noise.
A second way to hear through both ears is to activate “speaker phone.” Conversations will be easier for you to hear. The downside is that anyone near you will hear your conversation, infringing on your privacy.
If you are a hearing aid wearer, ask your Audiologist if your hearing aids are equipped with a telecoil. This will establish a great connection with most landline phones.
Many hearing aid styles can stream phone conversations to your cell phone. This direct, wireless connection is a feature that many hearing aid wearers enjoy. If you continue to struggle, make sure that the phone volume is turned up. Ask your Audiologist if it is possible to improve the quality of sound for streaming phone calls with programming changes.
In the state of Illinois, you are entitled to an amplified phone, caption phone, or cell phone amplifier at no charge. Go to the Illinois Telecommunication Access Center website for an application (www.itactty.org).
We want you to hear every word. If you need help, your Audiologist will be happy guide you. Our doors are open.