Mobile phones
Mobile phones This factsheet is part of our Equipment range. It is written for people with hearing loss who want to know more about what mobile phones might be suitable for them. We use the phrase people with hearing loss to refer to people with all levels of hearing loss. Read this factsheet to find out: How do I buy a mobile phone? How do I choose a mobile network? How do I pay for my calls? What are the different payment plan options? Can I get equipment to help reduce interference with hearing aids? What do the T and M ratings mean? What is SMS and MMS text messaging? Can I receive email and instant messages on my mobile? Where can I get further information? If you would like this factsheet in Braille, large print or audio format, please contact our helpline see front page for contact details. How do I buy a mobile phone? All high streets have mobile phone shops. It s a good idea to visit a number of them so you can try out different handsets and see what the right kind of phone is for you. Always shop around, as you will find differences in prices and products. Some companies, including supermarkets and some digital TV providers, offer mobile phone services and nearly all offer competitive online deals. It s worth noting if the mobile phone device is advertised as SIM free or unlocked, as certain payment plans include different network restrictions. If the phone is SIM free, it means that it comes without a SIM card, so you won t then be tied to only one particular network provider and can switch more easily to get a better tariff in the future, so always ask about this, especially if you want a pre-pay mobile phone. Some phones can be purchased unlocked, meaning they will work with any SIM card regardless of the network provider. When choosing your mobile phone, you need to think about: type of mobile phone (standard mobile phone or smartphone) size Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 2
cost volume and sound quality tactile feedback on controls predictive texting compatibility with your hearing aids speakerphone Bluetooth wireless technology using your mobile phone abroad. Type of mobile phone standard mobile phones versus smartphones There are many different types of mobile phone. Technology has come a long way and continues to move fast, with updated technology never more than a year away. The standard mobile phone, commonly referred to as a mobile or cell-phone, can be quite basic, but will enable the user to make phone calls and send text messages (SMS). They might also have some additional features like a calculator or music player. These phones are often very affordable and can be purchased off-the-shelf for less than 30. Another common type of mobile phone is the smartphone. These are small, hand-held computers and will have all the phone call and text messaging functionality, but also many more features such as mobile internet, email and GPS (like sat-nav ). These phones are more expensive than a standard mobile phone, but of course they are more sophisticated in the range of functionality that they offer. Size Although a smaller phone will be easier to carry, it will probably have smaller controls and display, making it fiddly to use. Good-sized keys, clear labelling, a large, clear screen and simple functions make phones easier to use. You will find phones with keys on their front, ones that open in a clamshell design and others where the keypad slides from beneath the screen. Try out different designs to see which suits you best. Smartphones typically (though not always) have a touch screen feature, so there are no buttons, but you touch the display keys on the phone s screen. Volume and sound quality It is vital that you can easily hold a conversation on the phone. Volume and sound quality vary widely between models, so when you re in a shop, ask if you can make a call on more than one phone so you can compare their performance. Make sure that you are happy with the volume and sound clarity before you buy. Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 3
You can usually adjust the volume on your mobile phone so you can hear what someone is saying more easily. With some models this means taking the phone away from your ear, adjusting the volume and then listening again, so you miss some of the conversation. If the phone has volume controls on the side of the handset, you ll be able to adjust the volume while speaking or listening. This is a good feature which many people find very useful. However, problems with hearing phone conversations are often more to do with sound quality than volume, so you might find that increasing the volume does not help. Compatibility with your hearing aids Mobile phones generate radio frequency interference that may be picked up by a hearing aid (particularly on the hearing loop setting, formerly known as the T setting), which can be heard as a buzzing sound. Most mobile phones do cause interference when used with hearing aids, so it is vital to check before you buy. If the shop will not let you do this, then go to another shop where they are more helpful. There are a small number of mobile phones which work really well on a hearing aid setting we stock them in our online shop (see page 11). Also, see the Can I get equipment to help reduce interference with hearing aids? section on page 7. Speakerphone Most modern mobiles have a speakerphone, allowing you to use the phone handsfree (without holding it to you ear) and at high volume. Many people with hearing loss find this feature useful, but do be aware that because you are using a speaker your calls won t be private and the volumes can be very loud. Mobile phones vary greatly in their speakerphone performance and high speakerphone volume often comes at the price of poor sound quality and noticeable sound distortion. So choose wisely, and do try the speakerphone out in the shop if possible. Using your mobile phone abroad If you would like to use your mobile abroad (this is called roaming ), you should look at what band it is. Bands are the regions that your phone will function in, so if you take it overseas you will still have connectivity. A dual-band phone can be used throughout Europe and in many other countries. If you re travelling to Africa, Asia, Australia or most of the USA then you ll need tri-band. Other places need a quad-band phone, and this will give you worldwide coverage. Making calls to and from abroad is more expensive, so check how much it will cost you to connect to a call and the price per minute. Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 4
Be aware when taking a smartphone abroad: the phone could be set to frequently connect to the internet and, of course, would cost money. Some applications, such as email and location services, connect to the internet automatically so, without you knowing, you could be running up a large bill. Ask a sales adviser how to turn this feature off. Bluetooth wireless technology Many mobile phones now have Bluetooth wireless technology this allows products to communicate with each other by picking up a Bluetooth signal. It will allow you to use your mobile with a Bluetooth headset or neckloop, which is an advantage if you wear hearing aids, since it reduces the number of cables that are connected to the mobile phone. We advise that you check that the phone will connect to your Bluetooth device before you buy. It s also a good idea to see how easy it is to access the Bluetooth option from the menu. Tactile feedback on controls Tactile feedback means that the keys on the phone are designed so that you can feel a definite click when you operate them properly. If you are profoundly deaf, controls with good tactile feedback can be another useful feature. Smartphones have either touchscreen display or buttons. Cost The cost of buying a mobile phone will depend on many things including what features it has and how new the model is. How much it costs to use will depend on how you choose to pay for your calls. For example, some phones come with free call minutes or are included free with a monthly payment plan (see How do I pay for my calls? on page 6). Price comparison websites and independent mobile-phone shops can often help you decide what is best for your needs. With so many different purchase costs, offers and monthly charges around it can be a bit confusing. If you are purchasing a mobile phone with a contract payment plan, your shop or provider will typically give you at least a week or two of a cooling off period to make sure that you are happy with the phone before you commit. Contracts typically last 12, 18 or 24 months and often require a credit check. So it s important to check how long you have to try the phone out. If you re not happy with the volume or sound quality, ask for a replacement. Do you have difficulty using small or awkward equipment? A lot of equipment has tiny and often fiddly buttons and other controls. Sometimes equipment might just be an awkward shape or difficult to grip. If you have these difficulties, it is particularly important to try out a mobile phone first before you buy. Ask yourself: Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 5
are the buttons easy to press? can you use any other controls easily? can you hold the mobile phone comfortably? is the equipment a suitable weight not too light or too heavy? is the display screen large enough for you to read what is on it? How do I choose a mobile network? There are many different mobile phone networks and providers available including traditional mobile phone companies, such as Vodafone and Everything Everywhere (EE). You can get a good deal from some of the television and internet service providers and supermarkets that have moved into the mobile phone market, so shop around. Most of the major mobile phone networks have shops on the high street. They all offer good national coverage but check how good the reception is in your area. Network providers and some websites can show you the network coverage in your area you can visit their website and enter your postcode into the checker. How do I pay for my calls? Mobile networks offer many different ways to pay for calls, so you ll have to decide which one suits you best. Do think about when and how you are most likely to use your mobile you ll be able to find a deal that gives you the best value for your needs. You will be able to choose from a range of options. You will typically be allocated a certain amount of free calls and text messages (and internet data if you are choosing a smartphone). Some networks offer differently priced calls at different times of the day these peak and off-peak times might be different to the times for a landline though. Many networks also offer differently priced calls depending on whether you call another mobile network or a landline. Most networks offer special handset deals. Most networks offer text-only tariffs. What are the different payment plan options? Monthly payment plan A monthly payment plan gives you a deal on a contract that lasts 12, 18 or even 24 months. You can terminate the contract early, though it usually involves a fee to do this. Typically, a monthly contract includes the phone-line rental and an agreed amount of free calls, text messages and data allowance every month. This is ideal if you use your phone Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 6
a lot you can find a package whereby you are allocated more free texts and minutes than you are likely to use. The price of these plans will depend on the combination of call minutes, text messages or other services you choose. These plans normally offer you a free phone; the model offered will depend upon the package you choose and how long you agree to sign up for. Some packages will cover calls at any time of the day, whereas others may specify off-peak calls only, so be sure to check all the details. Some packages offer unlimited text messaging and a fair-use policy on internet data use. Pre-pay Pre-pay or pay as you go deals let you buy phone units in advance. They are ideal if you are on a limited budget or make few calls. With these deals you only pay for what you use and you are less likely to run up a large bill. However, when your pre-pay units run out, you won t be able to make outgoing calls or texts until you top up your credit. It s very easy to top-up your pre-pay phone units at places like supermarkets, shops and garages; you can either buy a top-up voucher and enter the code in the phone or use a swipecard (available from your network provider), which stores all your mobile phone details. You can also buy units over the phone with your debit or credit card, online or from some cashpoints. Pre-pay is an ideal option for people who rarely use their mobile phone if you are unsure, bear in mind that each call you make will tend to be more expensive than those made as part of a monthly payment plan. Can I get equipment to help reduce interference with hearing aids? If you experience interference with your mobile phone, it may help to try using a handsfree kit or listening accessories such as neckloops and ear hooks. These keep the mobile phone further away from your hearing aid and so reduce the chances of interference. They work with almost any hearing aid that has a hearing loop setting. Hands-free kits are also useful while driving. It s now illegal to make or receive telephone calls while driving a car unless you are using a hands-free kit, so these accessories can be useful in many situations. However, you can still be prosecuted for using a hands-free kit if you re not in full control of the vehicle when using the device. A neckloop is a plastic-covered wire that you wear around your neck and connect to a small control unit. It produces an inductive output that your hearing aids will pick up when set to the hearing loop setting. A second cable connects the control unit to your phone. You can now get Bluetooth neckloops, which work in a similar way but connect to your phone without a wire. They are more expensive but are much easier to use and more convenient because you have fewer wires. Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 7
An ear loop (or ear hook) works in a similar way. You hook it behind your hearing aid and connect the cable to your phone. Both ear loops and hooks produce an inductive output that your hearing aids can pick up when on the hearing loop setting. Hearing your mobile phone ring All mobile phones have a wide range of ring tones to choose from and a ringer volume that you can adjust. These can be simple tones or more complicated tunes or songs. Most mobile phones will let you download other ring tones or tunes, though you might have to pay for these, and on some you can even compose your own ring tone. All new models can be set to vibrate when you receive a call or text message. This is especially useful if you keep your phone in your pocket. If your phone doesn t vibrate, you could try using a separate, vibrating belt clip or a vibrating gadget that you attach to your phone. You can buy either of these products for around 10. Some mobile phones have lights that come on or flash when you receive a call. These work well as long as you keep your phone in a visible place. You can use some multialerting systems to alert you to your mobile phone receiving a call. For more information, see our factsheet Sensory alerts and multi-alerting systems for the home. What are T and M ratings? Mobile phones produce radio frequency interference that you might hear as an annoying buzzing sound when you bring the phone close to your hearing aid. On some phones, the buzzing can be so severe that it completely drowns out callers voices. Low interference phones, however, mean less buzzing. This is where the T and M ratings come in. The T and M relate to the settings on your hearing aid, not the phone itself; they can help identify the models that would work best with your hearing aids. The M refers to the microphone setting on your hearing aids and T, the hearing loop setting. Some people prefer to use their mobile phones on the M setting, others find it better to switch to the T or loop setting, to pick up the loop signal from the phone. Both the M and T ratings are ranked from 1 (poor), through to 3 (good) and 4 (excellent). A phone with a 1 or 2 rating is producing a lot of interference (and potentially a weak loop signal, too), so look out for a phone that has a 3 or 4 rating. In practice, it s the combination of phone and hearing aid that s important so although a phone with a 3 or 4 M, T rating is likely to work better with your hearing aids, there is no absolute guarantee as hearing aid susceptibility varies. Some phone manufacturers don t Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 8
give a rating at all. This doesn t necessarily mean the phone won t work well with your hearing aids; it s just that they haven t yet chosen to adopt the M, T ratings. What is SMS and MMS text messaging? SMS (short messaging service) and MMS (multi-media messaging service) text messaging are very popular. They are cheap and simple ways to send short messages to other mobile phones. Many new, digital, cordless phones can also send and receive text messages, as can some corded domestic phones. Messages are usually received within a few minutes but not always. SMS text messaging is not fully interactive. This means that, rather like sending a letter, if you send a message, it may be some time before you receive a reply (it depends on when the recipient sees the message and sends a reply), so you cannot have real-time conversations using SMS. Each message usually costs about 12p (or can be part of inclusive minutes and texts bundles). MMS is similar to SMS but it lets you add pictures, video, animations and sounds to your messages. MMS has no specific benefits for people who are deaf, but it does let you take and send photos with your mobile phone. MMS messages are more expensive than SMS text messages. You can send a text message using a mobile phone, mobile communicator (see below), or home-based SMS system (typically a cordless phone or an SMS corded phone). EmergencySMS If you cannot make voice calls, you can contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone using the EmergencySMS service which has been designed specifically for people with hearing loss or speech difficulties. For more information, go to www.emergencysms.org.uk or contact our helpline. Mobile phones This is the most common way of sending text messages. You can send and receive text messages on almost all modern mobile phones. However, some have small keys that can be fiddly to use. One way around this is to use predictive texting. This means that your phone guesses which word you are trying to type, which can make it easier and faster to use. Phones with good-sized buttons and a large screen make text messaging easier. Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 9
Mobile communicators These are mobile phones that enable communication on the move. They have many extra features and are more expensive than standard mobile phones. You can use them as personal organisers and personal digital assistants (like mini computers). You can use them to send text messages, send and receive emails or access the internet. They have a QWERTY keypad, which makes typing your message easy: the keypads are smaller versions of keyboards you find on traditional typewriters or computers. Smartphones As well as SMS and MMS, smartphones will have email and other ways of communicating, including access to social networking sites and real-time texting services; these are either pre-loaded on the phone or downloaded using an application (usually known as an app). The smartphone will have a dedicated app store where you can browse and search for these applications. Home-based SMS systems You can buy a range of products that let you send and receive text messages from your home without having to buy a mobile phone. Many digital cordless phones let you do this as do some corded phones. Remember that a digital cordless phone might cause interference with your hearing aids. Can I receive email and instant messages on my mobile? A growing range of mobile products now let you send and receive text by email and instant messages, as well as SMS or MMS text messaging. These products include Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and smartphones, but many normal mobile phones now have this functionality as well. However, if you want to have a proper text conversation (rather than send messages), it is best if your handset runs mobile textphone software. As you type, the other person will see each character on their screen almost immediately (just like with a textphone), so there are no long delays and it is easy to interrupt if you want. When you run a mobile textphone programme, you can make text calls to other textphones and you may also be able to receive text calls. By using TextDirect you can also contact hearing people who have an ordinary phone. Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 10
Where can I buy products that may help? We sell a range of equipment for people with hearing loss, including mobile phones. You can buy products online, or contact us to request a copy of our catalogue. 1 Haddonbrook Business Centre, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YX Telephone 01733 361199 Textphone 01733 238020 Fax 01733 361161 solutions@hearingloss.org.uk www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/shop Where can I get further information? If you want to find out more about some of the subjects covered in this factsheet, you may find the following factsheets useful: Video communications Textphones Telephones and voice communications Further information from Action on Hearing Loss Our helpline offers a wide range of information on many aspects of hearing loss. You can contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of factsheets and leaflets see the cover page for contact details. Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. Registered Office: 19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 454169, Registered Charity Numbers 207720 (England and Wales) and SC038926 (Scotland). Mobile phones, Action on Hearing Loss Information, February 2013 11