A study has found that Telstra’s Next G network is best for users with hearing aids and cochlear implants, producing less interference with the devices than both the CDMA and GSM infrastructures.The research performed by the National Acoustic Laboratories found the Next G network was unlikely to create any audible interference for the 450,000-plus Australians using hearing-devices. The network was found to cause slightly less interference than CDMA and significantly less than the older GSM.
Mobile phones that are interference-free are imperative for hearing impaired users, according to Telstra’s manager of disability services, Bert Ciavarra.
“We’ve always promised the Next G network would be the same or better than the aging CDMA network and this commitment extends to the specific needs of the people in our community with a hearing impairment,” he said of the infrastructure which Telstra claims reaches 98.8 per cent of the population in Australia.
Better Hearing Australia is giving people with hearing aids and cochlear implants a chance to trial the Next G network by giving out mobile phones at a conference held on Saturday at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital.
“For hearing impaired people, it’s very important to minimise the discomfort and inconvenience of using a mobile phone,” Keir said.
“I hope this workshop inspires others to organise similar events assisting the hearing impaired throughout Australia.
“The workshop is an opportunity for people with hearing aids and cochlear implants to try out a Telstra Next G mobile phone prior to the CDMA network closing.”
