Hanan Merrill, owner of Nanaimo Hearing Clinic, often hears from clients who struggle to hear on the phone despite their hearing aids working well in other situations. “It’s frustrating for people,” he says. “They’ve invested in technology to improve their hearing, but they find themselves taking off their aids when it’s time to make a phone call. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way.”
There are several reasons why hearing aids can make phone use tricky, the most common being that hearing aids sometimes block the ear canal, limiting the sound that can reach the ear naturally. For individuals with hearing loss, this can result in an uncomfortable, muffled experience on the phone.
“Some hearing aids sit entirely in the ear, while others fit behind the ear with a tube or wire that leads to a speaker in the canal. These designs, while great for amplifying everyday sounds, can interfere with the way people hear phone calls,” Merrill explains.
To overcome this, Nanaimo Hearing Clinic suggests five effective strategies, depending on the type of hearing aids you use:
- Open-Fit Hearing Aids
If you wear open-fit hearing aids — ones that have a small rubber tip in the ear canal — you may be able to use your phone the same way as before. “If the hearing aid isn’t completely blocking the ear, simply putting the phone up to your ear and turning up the volume might be all you need,” says Merrill. - Positioning for Behind-The-Ear Aids
For hearing aids that sit behind the ear, the microphone may not be in the traditional place. “In these cases, it’s important to position the phone higher, closer to the microphone behind the ear,” Merrill advises. “Playing with the position of the phone can make a big difference.” - Telecoil Technology
Some hearing aids include a telecoil, which connects wirelessly to the phone’s speaker. “Telecoils can pick up the sound electromagnetically, and while it’s older technology, it still works well for many people,” says Merrill. However, modern phone speakers sometimes lack the strength to activate the telecoil effectively, which is where a simple magnet sticker can help. - Speakerphone
If positioning or telecoils don’t work for you, Merrill suggests trying the speakerphone. “Turning on the speakerphone allows both hearing aids to pick up the sound and can make a world of difference,” he notes. “While not everyone likes using a speakerphone, it’s a simple and effective solution.” - Bluetooth
Perhaps the most seamless solution is pairing your hearing aids with your smartphone via Bluetooth. “With Bluetooth, your hearing aids become a wireless headset for the phone,” Merrill explains. “We’ve had clients who light up when they experience how clear their phone calls become after connecting their hearing aids to their phones. One caution to be aware of, make sure that your hearing aids and phone are compatible. Some hearing aids work better with Apple and some work better with Android devices."
Bluetooth offers the advantage of transmitting sound directly into both ears, improving clarity and making phone conversations much easier. “For people who rely on phone communication regularly, this can be a game-changer,” Merrill adds. “Hearing aids and phones don’t have to be a bad mix. With the right technology and techniques, phone calls can become just as clear as face-to-face conversations.”
For more hearing tips or to book an appointment with the Nanaimo Hearing Clinic for yourself or a loved one, call 250-585-4100 or visit nanaimohearingclinic.com/contact. Find Nanaimo Hearing Clinic at 501-5800 Turner Rd. in Cactus Club Plaza, Nanaimo.