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Wireless telephones and hearing-aid compatibility.

Wireless telephones can help people with hearing related disabilities if they are compatible with hearing-aid requirements and technologies set forth by the FCC.

Hearing aids work in one of two modes - acoustic coupling or telecoil coupling. Acoustic coupling mode amplifies all sounds surrounding the user. Both desired sounds (the information) and unwanted sounds (ambient noise) are amplified. Telecoil coupling mode eliminates unwanted sound by turning off the microphone and receiving only signals from magnetic fields generated by telecoil-compatible telephones. Wireless telephone manufacturers are required to implement standards and make available hand-set models that are FCC complient. Here is an example of a hearing-aid compatible, hands-free headset for use with a wireless phone: http://www.zalmar.com/detail-Communications-Headsets-KX_TCA88HA.htm


EZ Access is a set of interface enhancements which can be applied to electronic products and devices so that they can be used by more people including those with disabilities. Developed by the TRACE center at the University of Wisconsin, EZ Access enhancements can be applied to a wide range of interactive electronic systems from public information and transaction machines such as kiosks to personal handheld devices like cellular phones. A user interface (such as those on an ATM machine, or information kiosk) that only supports a touch-screen can be difficult or impossible to use for people with disabilities. With the addition of just a few buttons and voice output, the product becomes usable by people who cannot see, cannot read, cannot reach the screen, or cannot make fine movements with their arms, hands, or fingers. The addition of captions further extends the product to people who cannot hear.