Advice for Cochlear Implant users

Many Cochlear Implant users are able to make phone calls and understand familiar voices and some people can even understand an unfamiliar voice. However, not all users can use the phone. Although we can't recommend an ideal phone for Cochlear Implant users you may find the following advice helpful.

Some Cochlear Implants are fitted with a Telecoil setting. Any telephone with an inductive coupler (sometimes called a loop) fitted in the handset will be compatible once the Telecoil is switched on. The telephone earpiece will need to be positioned near to the external part of the implant rather than to the ear, trying slightly different places until you find one where the sound becomes clearer. This may take some practice.

A telephone adapter is available for Cochlear Implants that do not have a Telecoil. Contact your implant programme for more information.

To help you choose the best BT product for your needs, we have teamed up with healthcare and independent living specialists across the UK to allow you to try out different BT equipment. Visit our Outreach Service section for details of Resource Centres in your local area. 

For more information visit the National Cochlear Implant Users Association (NCIUA) website.

The RNID also have a useful factsheet on Cochlear Implants.