The Interaction between Digital Mobile Phones and Hearing Aids

Aim: To assess the interference between mobile phones and hearing aids.

Material and Methods: This study was a review of the available literature using the Medline data base.

Results: Magnetic interference could be the result of the demodulation of the cell phone transmission signal by the hearing aid amplifier, due to the pulsed nature of that signal. The extent of electromagnetic interference depends on three parameters: (1) the power of the radio signal picked up by the mobile phone, (2) the proximity of the mobile phone to the hearing aid, and (3) the susceptibility of the hearing aid to electromagnetic interference. Steps that could be taken to diminish electromagnetic interference include a reduction in the effect that the power of the pulsed electromagnetic field exerts upon hearing aids, either through an increase in the number of base-stations or through the deflection of the electromagnetic radiation of the mobile phone antenna from the hearing aid using certain devices. The use of “flip” cell phone antennas could actually increase the distance between the hearing aid and the mobile phone, along with the design of loops that can be inductively attached to the hearing aid telecoil. Other solutions may include devices resembling behind-the-ear hearing aids which produce a strong electromagnetic signal that could be picked up by the hearing aid telecoil or modified hands-free kits for direct audio input to the hearing aid.

Conclusion: Electromagnetic interference of mobile phones to hearing aids may be a serious problem in hearing aid users, depending on type and generation of mobile phones and hearing aids. Dealing with this problem is of great importance in a world that constantly moves towards digital and wireless solutions.