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Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
This Device’s HAC Rating: Not Rated
Digital wireless telephones sometimes cause interference because of electromagnetic
energy emitted by the telephone’s antenna, backlight, or other components. To address
this interference, the FCC has adopted specific hearing aid compatibility rules for digital
wireless telephones. The standard for compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing
aids is set forth in American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard C63.19.
Hearing aids operate in one of two modes – acoustic coupling or telecoil coupling. Thus,
the ANSI standard C63.19 contains two sets of standards: an “M” rating from one to four
for reduced radio frequency (RF) interference to enable acoustic coupling with hearing
aids that do not operate in telecoil mode, and a “T” rating from one to four to enable
inductive coupling with hearing aids operating in telecoil mode. A digital wireless handset
is considered hearing aid-compatible for acoustic coupling if it meets an “M3” rating and
for inductive coupling if it meets a “T3” rating.
Please be aware that some mobile phones allow users to make voice calls over a wireless
broadband internet connection (i.e. Wi-Fi) using what’s known as Unlicensed Mobile
Access. Please note that such phones have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids
for some of the wireless technologies they use (i.e. GSM). However, there may be some
newer wireless technologies used in these phones that have not been tested yet for use
with hearing aids (i.e. Wi-Fi or UMA). It is important to try the different features of these
phones to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult with the service
representative for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about
return or exchange policies, please consult with a store representative.
