Note To Steve Jobs: Why Isn't The Apple iPhone Hearing-Aid Compatible?

I can't believe Apple failed to make its iPhone compatible with either hearing aids or cochlear implants. I'm in the market for a mobile phone again and just discovered the lack of compatibility. Given all the hype surrounding the iPhone launch, I'm surprised there haven't been more complaints, other than the strong objection I just found on Paula Rosenthal's HearingExchange site, some chatter on Apple forums, and a complaint made to the FCC by the Hearing Loss Association of America. HLAA has done the most advocacy for hearing-aid compatibility (HAC) regulations, which now mandate 50 percent of manufacturers' handsets meet minimum M3 compatibility standards. The M3 and M4 ratings mean there's no buzzing when you listen to the phone with your hearing-aid microphone on, and T3 and T4 ratings mean the phone works with the telecoils in your hearing aids. But according to the HLAA complaint: "Apple has now entered the scene and is predicted to shake up the entire wireless industry. Yet they are not, nor have ever been, involved in any discussions regarding HAC requirements." Steve Jobs is known for his arrogance and inflexibility when it comes to the design of his products. Apple's treatment of the hearing-impaired population is a great example. What a disappointment.

Posted by David at 12:24 PM on Sep 20, 2007 in AMPLIFIED PHONES, INDUSTRY NEWS, NEW PRODUCTS

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Comments

Being a Mac girl all around, I was curious if the iPhone would work with my Perseo BTEs (I have a severe-profound loss) - so I tried out my friend's phone - and voila! it works just fine! The only hinderance is holding the compact iPhone far back to my BTEs' microphone - creating a bit of distance between my voice and the iPhone.

I find it's more of a handset design problem, not compatibility. If you know someone with an iPhone, ask them if you can try it out - you may be surprised....

ALSO - the iPhone is equipped with Bluetooth - and my audiologist has informed me that newer hearing aids (er - excuse me, "Personal Communication Assistants" LOL) are being built with Bluetooth capabilities. So there will be a day when we will not need to hold a cellphone to our PCAs - nor will we need all the T coil gizmos, etc.

Posted by: Julie | September 26, 2007 08:59 AM

As an audiologist, it frustrates me that all phones, no matter what type, aren't hearing aid compatible. It causes so much confusion among patients. Often, I have multiple follow-up visits with patients who are doing quite well otherwise, but because of the discrepancies among the various phones in their lives, continued fine-tuning and counseling is required.

Posted by: Dr. Tom | September 22, 2007 07:30 AM

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