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Hearing Aid Compatibility
Hearing Aid
Compatibility
When some mobile handsets are used with certain
hearing devices (including hearing aids
andcochlear implants), users may detect a noise
which can interfere with the effectiveness of the
hearing device.
Some hearing devices are more “immune” than
others to this interference noise, and mobile
handsets can also vary in the amount of
interference noise they may generate at any given
time. ANSI standard C63.19 was developed to
provide a standardized means of measuring both
mobile handset and hearing devices to determine
usability rating categories for both.
Ratings have been developed for mobile handsets
to assist hearing device users find handsets that
may be compatible with their particular hearing
device. Not all mobile handsets are rated for
compatibility with hearing devices, but mobile
handsets that are rated should have the rating
available. This rating may depend on the position
of a retractable antenna.
Results will vary depending on the user’s hearing
device and individual type and degree of hearing
loss. If a hearing device is particularly vulnerable to
interference noise, even a mobile handset with a
higher rating may still cause unacceptable noise
levels in the hearing device. Evaluate your
personal needs by trying out the mobile handset
with your hearing device.
“M” Rating
: Mobile handsets rated M3 or M4 meet
FCC requirements for hearing aid compatibility and
are likely to generate less interference to hearing
devices than handsets that are not labeled. (M4 is
the “better” or higher of the two ratings.)
"T" Rating
: Mobile phones rated T3 or T4 meet
FCC requirements for compatibility with
telecoil-type ("T Switch" or "Telephone Switch")
hearing devices and are likely to be more usable
with such hearing devices than unrated phones.
(T4 is the "better" or higher of the two ratings.)
Hearing devices may also be measured for
immunity to interference noise from mobile
handsets. In some cases, hearing devices can be
modified or “hardened” to improve operation with a
mobile handset. Your hearing device manufacturer
or hearing health professional may help you
improve the interaction of your mobile handset and
hearing device. Not all hearing devices are rated
for compatibility with mobile handsets, but hearing
devices that are rated should have the rating
