How to Use a Hearing Aid-Compatible Headset

The hands-free convenience of a headset isn't limited to the able-hearing population. Hearing aid-compatible headsets make it possible for those with mild to severe hearing impairment to talk on the phone, listen to music, and participate in video and audio conferencing just like their able-hearing counterparts. Several different manufacturers offer a wide range of products to both in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing-aid users.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cell phone, computer, PDA or any other headset compatible device
• Hearing aid-compatible headset

Find the Right Hearing Aid-Compatible Headset

1. Determine if your hearing aid has a telecoil feature. When the feature is enabled, the telecoil picks up electromagnetic signals from other sound sources producing greater clarity for those sounds. Hearing aid-compatible headsets use this technology as well.

2. Shop for a hearing aid-compatible headset that works with telecoil technology online or through your audiologist.

3. Buy a hearing aid that hooks over the ear for use with in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.

4. Decide if you want a headset that hooks over one ear or two. If you have hearing loss in both ears, you should consider a headset with two ear hooks.

5. Consider the weight of the headset before you buy it. Lightweight ear hooks will be the most comfortable particularly for behind-the-ear hearing aid wearers who already carry weight on their ear and plan to use the headset for an extended period of time.

6. Choose a headphone that also has a receiver if you have unilateral hearing loss.

Connect and Wear Hearing Aid-Compatible Headset

7. Switch your headset's telecoil by selecting T or MT on the unit. T means the telecoil is on and the microphone is off, and MT means they are both on.

8. Place the ear hook behind one or both ears depending on which model headset you choose. The ear hook typically goes on the outside of behind-the-ear hearing aids.

9. Plug the 2.5mm connector into the device you are using. Most cell phones, audio players, and computers come standard with these jacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your rights. Employers are obligated by federal law to provide hearing aid-compatible telephones and headsets to their employees if needed to perform their duties. The FCC outlines requirements for hearing aid compatibility.
• Get a hearing aid compatible headset with two ear hooks if you plan on listening to music with it. That way you can listen in stereo.
• Seek help from your audiologist in finding the headset that will work best with your type of hearing aid and hearing loss.