Implications of Legislation to Ban Cell Phones in Public Schools on the Use of Hearing Assistive Technology

As the number of states passing legislation to ban smartphone use in schools increases, problems have arisen for students with hearing assistive technology that involves connectivity with an app that allows control of features such as volume level and/or program changes. Some states allow exceptions for medical reasons documented by a physician, but others allow no exceptions and may offer students bulkier options to use, such as tablets that may not be optimized for the hearing assistive technology. Research regarding the negative impact of allowing possession of smartphones during the school day is often countered with the need for students to have access to a communication device for emergencies and access to accommodations such as live captioning. Possible solutions are proposed, including links to manufacturer-compatible remote controls for hearing aids and cochlear implants. The options to allow the use of a smartphone for students who control their technology or access accommodation features may be included in the Individualized Educational Plan. Audiologists are encouraged to review the possible restrictions experienced by the adolescents they serve to allow sharing of appropriate solutions with the school districts and provision of information that may facilitate purchases of new equipment, such as remote controls.