How to Use Phone with Hearing Aids: Clearer Calls, Less Stress

Learning how to use phone with hearing aids can make everyday life much easier. Whether you’re talking with family, handling work calls, or joining a video chat, the right techniques and settings can help you hear more clearly and feel more confident.

This guide explains simple ways to improve phone calls with hearing aids, including how to position the phone, use Bluetooth streaming, and cut down on whistling or feedback. You’ll also find tips for text-based services and video calls if hearing speech on the phone is still difficult.

Positioning Your Phone for Clearer Calls

Standard phones and behind-the-ear hearing aids

If you use behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, holding the phone like you used to may not work as well. The microphone on these hearing aids is usually near the top of your ear, not in the ear canal, so the sound needs to reach that area.

• Hold the phone slightly higher than usual, near the top of your ear where the hearing aid microphone sits.
• Angle the phone so the speaker lines up with the hearing aid microphone, not directly into your ear canal.
• Try moving the phone a little forward or backward until the voice sounds clearest.

In-the-ear hearing aids

If you wear in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, the microphone is closer to where you used to hold the phone.

• Place the phone earpiece over your ear canal as you normally would.
• If speech is muffled, move the phone slightly up or back, a small distance at a time.

For both styles, use a comfortable volume on your phone first, then adjust your hearing aid programs or volume if needed.

Reducing Feedback and Whistling During Calls

Feedback is the high-pitched whistling or squealing you might hear from your hearing aids. It can be more noticeable during phone calls, especially when the phone is close to the hearing aid or pressed tightly against your ear.

• Loosen your grip slightly. Avoid pressing the phone firmly against your ear; leave a bit of space.
• Try a different angle. Slide the phone slightly up, down, or back until the whistling stops and speech is clearer.
• Lower the phone volume. Very loud phone volume can increase feedback from hearing aids. Turn the phone down and adjust the hearing aid volume instead.
• Use the other ear. If one ear has less feedback, try using that ear for most calls.

If you still cannot reduce feedback from hearing aids during calls, talk with your hearing care provider. They may adjust your hearing aid programming or check for issues like loose earmolds, tubing problems, or wax buildup.

Using Bluetooth for Easier Phone Calls

Many newer hearing aids can connect directly to smartphones or to a small accessory that streams sound from your phone. This is often called hearing aid Bluetooth phone streaming.

Benefits of Bluetooth streaming

• Phone calls stream directly into both hearing aids, making voices clearer and more balanced.
• You don’t have to hold the phone to your ear; you can keep it in your hand or pocket.
• Background noise may be reduced compared with using the phone’s speaker alone.

Getting started with Bluetooth

Steps vary by brand, but the general process usually includes:

• Checking that your hearing aids are compatible with your phone model and operating system.
• Turning on Bluetooth in your phone’s settings.
• Opening your hearing aid app (if you have one) and following the pairing instructions.
• Selecting your hearing aids in the phone’s Bluetooth device list.

Once paired, you typically answer calls on your phone as usual. The sound then streams to your hearing aids automatically. Some hearing aids also offer a dedicated “phone” program you can select during calls.

Speakerphone and Hands-Free Options

Many people with hearing loss find calls easier when they use speakerphone with hearing aids, especially in a quiet room.

• Place the phone on a table. Set it where both your hearing aids can “hear” the sound, usually in front of you.
• Keep background noise low. Turn off the TV or move away from loud appliances.
• Adjust distance. Move the phone closer or farther until voices sound clear but not distorted.

Some cars and home phones also offer hands-free speaker systems. These can be helpful if they are loud and clear without too much echo or background noise.

Video Calls for Hearing Loss

Video calls can give you both sound and visual clues, which can be especially helpful if you rely on lipreading or facial expressions.

• Good lighting. Ask the person you’re talking with to sit in a well-lit area so you can see their face clearly.
• Steady camera. Have both of you set your phones or tablets on a stable surface instead of holding them.
• Use headphones if needed. If the device’s speaker isn’t clear enough, try headphones that fit comfortably with your hearing aids.
• Turn on captions. Many video apps offer live captions that display words as they’re spoken.

If your hearing aids support Bluetooth, you may also be able to stream audio from video calls directly into your hearing aids, similar to phone calls.

Text and Caption Options for Phone Calls

When speech is still hard to understand, text-based tools can make phone communication less stressful.

Text-to-type and captioning services

There are several text-to-type phone services and captioned phone options designed for people with hearing loss. Depending on the service and your eligibility, these may include:

• Captioned telephones that show real-time text of what the other person is saying.
• Smartphone apps that transcribe calls or show live captions on the screen.
• Relay and captioned telephone services that connect you with a communication assistant who types what is said.

These tools can be especially helpful for longer or important calls where missing details is a concern.

Practical Tips for Phone Conversations with Hearing Loss

A few simple strategies can make tips for phone conversations hearing loss more effective for you and the person on the other end of the line.

• Choose a quiet spot. Move away from noise like traffic, TV, or crowded areas.
• Tell the caller you have hearing loss. Ask them to speak clearly and a bit slower, but not to shout.
• Confirm key details. Repeat back important information such as times, addresses, and numbers.
• Use both hearing and sight if possible. For complex conversations, consider switching to video or follow up with a text or email.
• Take breaks. Long calls can be tiring. It’s okay to pause or finish the conversation later.

When to Talk with Your Hearing Care Professional

If you still struggle with phone calls with hearing aids even after adjusting position, volume, and settings, let your hearing care provider know. They can:

• Fine-tune your hearing aid programs specifically for phone use.
• Check for feedback problems, wax, or fit issues.
• Recommend compatible phones, accessories, or apps for your hearing aids.
• Show you step-by-step how to use features like Bluetooth or call streaming.

Bringing It All Together

Knowing how to use phone with hearing aids is a combination of good positioning, the right technology, and a few communication habits. By trying different options—like Bluetooth streaming, speakerphone, video calls, or captioned services—you can find the mix that works best for your hearing and your lifestyle.