Hearing Aid Compatibility with Mobile Phones
When some mobile phones are used near some hearing devices (hearing aids and
cochlear implants), users may detect a buzzing, humming, or whining noise. Some hearing
devices are more immune than others to this interference noise, and phones also vary in the
amount of interference they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed ratings for some of their mobile phones, to
assist hearing device users in finding phones that may be compatible with their hearing
devices. Not all phones have been rated. Phones that are rated have the rating on their
box or a label on the box.
The ratings are not guarantees.
Results will vary depending on the user’s hearing device
and hearing loss. If your hearing device happens to be vulnerable to interfer-ence, you may
not be able to use a rated phone successfully. Trying out the phone with your hearing device
is the best way to evaluate it for your personal needs.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to gener-ate
less interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher
of the two ratings.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable
with a hearing device’s telecoil (“T Switch” or “Telephone Switch”) than unrated phones. T4
is the better/higher of the two ratings. (Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in
them.)
Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to this type of interference. Your
hea
ring device manufacturer or hearing health professional may help you find results for
your hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you are to
experience interference noise from mobile phones.
This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless
technologies that it uses. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in
this phone that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the
different features of this phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid
or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult your service
provider or the manufacturer of this phone for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you
have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone
retailer.
