Hearing Aid Compatibility - Frequently Asked Questions

This information has been produced by the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) in consultation with the GSMA and consumer representatives to provide answers to commonly asked questions about the effect mobile and cordless phones have on hearing aids and how to deal with any problems that might occur.

Potentially problems can arise in two ways:

When someone is using a mobile phone near to a hearing aid user:

1. What is the background to this problem?
2. Will mobile phone users near to a hearing aid wearer cause interference to that user?
3. What can be done about any interference from mobile phones being used by other people?

When a hearing aid user wishes to use a mobile / cordless phone:

1. What is the background to the problem?
2. What solutions exist if a hearing aid user suffers interference from a digital mobile phone?
3. Will a different mobile phone help?
4. What is a dual band phone and will it help?
5. Would a different aid help?
6. Will a hearing aid user have difficulty using a GSM mobile phone?
7. What form does the interference take?
8. How can the hearing aid user decide whether the GSM phone is the cause of the interference?
9. Does the interference cause any damage to the hearing aid?
10. Will the interference cause any damage to my hearing?
11. Will using the "T" position on the aid overcome the problem?
12. What are 'hands free kits' and why are they useful?
13. What is the difference between a digital GSM phone and an analogue phone?
14. What is the difference between mobile and cordless phones?
15. Will a cordless phone cause any problem with regard to interference?
16. What can be done about the problem of interference if it creates difficulties?