Hearing Aid Compatibility with Wireless
Phones and Services Frequently Asked Questions
What does hearing aid compatibility
(HAC) mean for wireless devices (e.g., Cell
Phones and PDAs)?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
defines HAC for wireless devices in terms of
two parameters; radio-frequency (RF) emissions
and telecoil coupling. Cell phones are tested
to see if they comply with the FCC's definition
of hearing aid compatibility.
How will I know if a wireless device
is rated for HAC?
Information about whether a
wireless device is rated for HAC
can be found in three places: 1)
on the display cards next to devices
in service provider operated retail
stores, 2) on the packages containing
wireless devices, and 3) in the
product's manual or packaging insert.
The packages and display cards
will be labeled with an "M" and/or "T" and
a rating number. Only devices that are rated
for HAC will be labeled in this way. If you
see an "M3", "M4 T4" or "T3" label
on the display card or packaging then the device
is HAC compliant. If you have questions about
the rating of a wireless device, ask the service
provider or device manufacturer for more information.
What does an "M3" or "M4" on the label
mean?
"M" refers to the device's RF
emissions level, and means the device is intended
for use with hearing aids in microphone mode.
The higher the "M" rating number
on the device, the more likely you will be
able to use the device with your hearing aid
on the microphone setting.
What does a "T3" or "T4" on the label
mean?
"T" refers to the device's telecoil
coupling ability, and means the device is intended
for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode.
The higher the "T" rating number
on the device, the more likely you will be
able to use the device with your hearing aid
on the telecoil setting.
Are there wireless devices I can use with my hearing aid
on the telecoil setting?
Quite possibly. The FCC requires
that wireless devices be rated
for HAC specifically for hearing
aids in telecoil mode. These devices are labeled
with ratings of T3 or T4.
Do the HAC ratings guarantee that I will be able to use
a cell phone with my hearing aid?
Wireless devices that are rated
for Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
should improve usability for hearing
aid users. However, because of
the highly individualized nature
of hearing loss and hearing aids
there is no guarantee.
May I try a wireless device before I buy it?
Yes, it is advisable to try
a wireless device with your hearing
aid in the store before making
a purchase. It's best to try several
devices before buying to find the
best match with your hearing aids.
Visit a full service carrier store
and ask to try devices that have
been designated as "hearing
aid compatible."
Can I return a phone if it does not work for me after
purchase?
It depends on the return policy.
Be sure to understand the return
policy, as well as, any early termination
fees before signing up for any
cell phone or service. Since a
cell phone's RF emissions can change
depending on your location, be
sure to fully evaluate your listening
experience outside the store during
the return period.
Who manufactures wireless devices that have been approved
as HAC by the FCC?
All major handset manufacturers
are required to offer HAC-compliant
devices and may also offer hands-free
accessories to improve usability.
Do HAC compliant wireless devices look any different from
other devices?
No.
Does the
information on this page apply to cochlear
implants also?
Cochlear implants are not regulated
by the FCC and therefore are not
rated. However, devices rated for
HAC may make it more likely that
a cochlear implant user will be able to use
a cell phone with minimal interference either
on the M or T setting. The same rule of thumb
applies though – try before you buy.
Try before you buy. It's best to try several
phones before making your purchase to find
the best match with your hearing aid.
Are devices rated for HAC more expensive than devices
without hearing aid compatibility?
No, the range of features and
functions of wireless devices will
impact the price, but hearing aid
compatibility will not. Service
provider owned and operated stores will offer
a range of devices with varying features and
prices.
I already have a wireless device. May I trade it in for
a hearing aid compatible device?
You will need to consult with
your service provider.
What if I cannot find a wireless device that works with
my hearing aid?
You can check with your hearing
healthcare professional to determine
if there is a hearing aid option
for you that may work better with
wireless devices. Some telecoil users may find
that accessories such as neckloops may further
assist with their use of wireless devices.
How can I be "hands free" while
using my wireless device?
Many states now require "hands free" driving
while using wireless devices. If you use a
telecoil, you may be able to use a neckloop.
If you use the microphone mode in your hearing
aid, you may be able to use the speaker phone
function available on some wireless devices.
If there is a Bluetooth accessory for your
hearing aid, it may be able to work with Bluetooth
enabled wireless devices. Remember safety first
while driving.
What is a telecoil?
A telecoil is a small device
that is built into some hearing
aids for use with the telephone
as well as assistive listening devices. To
use the telecoil, generally either the hearing
aid is switched to the "T" position
or a button on the hearing aid is pushed to
select the telecoil program. Some newer hearing
aids will automatically switch to telecoil
mode when using a phone. The telecoil picks
up magnetic fields generated by telephones
and converts these fields into sound. Telecoils
are particularly useful for telephone communication
because they permit the volume control of a
hearing aid to be turned up without creating
feedback or "whistling," and background
noise can be reduced especially when using
cell phones in noisy places. To determine whether
your hearing aid contains a telecoil and how
it is activated, ask your hearing health professional.
What does hearing aid compatibility (HAC) mean for hearing
aids?
Using the same measurement standard
that wireless devices use to test
for HAC, hearing aids can also
be tested and rated for compatibility.
This standard measures and rates the hearing
aid's immunity to the typical electromagnetic
outputs from wireless devices. An M1 or T1
is the poorest immunity rating, and an M4 or
T4 is the best immunity rating. Your hearing
healthcare professional may assist you in determining
if your hearing aid has been rated.
How do I know if my hearing aids will work with a particular
cell phone?
If your hearing aid is rated
for HAC like many wireless devices
are, then there is a method for
prediction: just add the rating
of your hearing aid to the rating of the wireless
device. A hearing aid rated M2 and a wireless
device rated M3 combine to a give an M rating
of 5 and would likely provide "normal" use.
An M rating combination of 6 would likely provide "excellent
performance". The same would be true of
T ratings. The higher the combination, the
better the user experience is likely to be.
Every individual's hearing loss is unique so
ratings do not guarantee performance.
COPYRIGHT 2007
CTIA - THE WIRELESS ASSOCIATION®
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