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category sum of less than 4 would likely result in a performance that is judged
unacceptable by the hearing aid user.
What is hearing aid compatibility?
The Federal Communications Commission has implemented rules and a rating system
designed to enable people who wear hearing aids to more effectively use these
wireless telecommunications devices. The standard for compatibility of digital
wireless phones with hearing aids is set forth in American National Standard Institute
(ANSI) standard C63.19. There are two sets of ANSI standards with ratings from one
to four (four being the best rating): an “M” rating for reduced interference making it
easier to hear conversations on the phone when using the hearing aid microphone, and
a “T” rating that enables the phone to be used with hearing aids operating in the
telecoil mode thus reducing unwanted background noise.
How will I know which wireless phones are hearing aid compatible?
The Hearing Aid Compatibility rating is displayed on the wireless phone box.
A phone is considered Hearing Aid Compatible for acoustic coupling (microphone
mode) if it has an “M3” or “M4” rating. A digital wireless phone is considered
Hearing Aid Compatible for inductive coupling (tele
coil mode) if it has a “T3” or “T4” rating.
The tested M-Rating and T-Rating for this device (FCC ID: H8N-PCT5230) are
M4/T3.
How will I know if my hearing aid will work with a particular digital wireless
phone?
You’ll want to try a number of wireless phones so that you can decide which works
the best with your hearing aids. You may also want to talk with your hearing aid
professional about the extent to which your hearing aids are immune to interference, if
they have wireless phone shielding, and whether your hearing aid has a HAC rating.
For more information about hearing aids and digital wireless phone
• FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/hearing.html
• Hearing Loss Association of America
http://www.hearingloss.org/content/understanding-hearing-loss
• CTIA
http://www.accesswireless.org/Disability-Categories/Hearing.aspx
• Gallaudet University, RERC
http://tap.gallaudet.edu/voice
HAC for Newer Technologies