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Loss of hearing clarity: Solutions or strategies anyone?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Jan 4 12:03pm | Replies (111)Comment receiving replies
Does anyone know of a list of recommended handsets that are good for t-coil use? I struggled at my job (retired) as a receptionist trying to understand clients on the office phone. It was listed as ha compatible but I only got a buzz when I turned on my t-coil. I have purchased and returned several handsets at home with the same problem.
I do use an i-phone with my bluetooth compatible Resound hearing aids. That is fantastic and has made phone conversations possible. Unfortunately, I live in an area with poor cell service, some days no connection. A landline is still needed. So my search for a handset continues.
Replies to "Does anyone know of a list of recommended handsets that are good for t-coil use? I..."
Not sure where you live, but there are Independent Living Centers in most states. Many have technology demo centers. It sounds like you need to get to a place where you can test demo units. You should not get a buzz with your telecoils if a telephone handset is hearing aid compatible, but there are different ratings. Look for the highest rating, which I think is 4, but not sure as I've not shopped for a landline handset for years. Your hearing instrument provider should also be able to help you with this as they have access to many technology providers. HLAA conventions and conferences are also full of information, as are HLAA chapters that are full of people who have experimented with lots of devices. They know what works under similar situations. Talk to them. For some reason, you are getting interference, which is causing the buzzing with your telecoil. That can be caused by outside issues like fluorescent lighting in some instances. Last, but certainly not least, if you are having difficulty at work, you have the Americans with Disabilities Act behind you. The Independent Living Center in your area can probably help you there. Same for your audiologist. You have to self advocate, but you have to know what will work and what you need. Good luck!
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@robinraig
I have a Captel landline at home that has a jack on the side and I loop Ear Links over my hearing aid. This eliminates any buzz and brings the voice right to my ear. Can order online. Not sure if the standard office phone has a jack and if it does, you need to find out how big it is....example it may be 3 millimeters. I understand the buzz problem and even supposedly Tcoil compatible and hearing aid compatible phones are ineffective. There are also neckloops that you can wear but they also have to be plugged into a phone.
Consider ordering a Captel phone for home...you can read the captions and hear at the same time. Captel phones work for businesses but it depends on their phone system and whether your company is willing to accommodate you. There is no special number involved. Since my hearing loss is profound, I can no longer hear on the Captel with an earlink or neckloop. You may not need one.
My Tcoil is set to have some regular mic sound which means I can hear on the phone but also get some hearing if someone is next to me speaking to me.
Hope this helps
Regards from Florida Mary