GH68-08136A
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
hearing 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.
