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Q:
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How will I know if a phone has been rated for hearing aids?
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Fact tags near the phone display will state the rating for the phone.
Phone boxes with an M-rating will be labeled with “Rated for Hearing Aids: M3” (or M4 as appropriate). Phone boxes with a T-rating will be labeled with “Rated for T-Coil Hearing Aids: T3” or “Rated for Hearing Aids: T3” (or T4 as appropriate). Phone boxes with both an M-rating and T-rating will be labeled with “Rated for Hearing Aids: M3/T3” (or M4/T4 as appropriate).
In addition, the box containing a rated device will include either a statement, such as "Rated for Hearing Aids: M3,"; Rated for Hearing Aids: T3'; Rated for T-Coil Hearing Aids: T3, or “Rated for Hearing Aids: M3/T3” (or M4 or T4 as appropriate), or the following icon:
Only cell phones that meet the standard will have labels on their boxes. Information about phones that meet the standard will also be in the phone's manual (printed and/or online) or in a packaging insert.
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Q:
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Does the M3/M4 or T3/T4 rating guarantee that the wireless phone will work with my hearing aid?
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Phones measuring an M3 or M4 cause less electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) interference, which should improve usability with hearing devices.
However performance cannot be guaranteed since other factors, such as type of hearing device or degree of hearing loss, determine whether the phone will work well for a particular user.
Phones measuring a T3 or T4 are more likely to have better interoperability performance with a hearing aid on the telecoil setting. Reduced feedback and reduced background noise are additional benefits of using a hearing aid set on telecoil during phone use. However performance cannot be guaranteed since other factors, such as type of hearing device or degree of hearing loss, determine whether the phone will work well for a particular user.
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What do the “M” and “T” stand for?
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“M” refers to using a phone with a hearing aid in the microphone setting. The higher the “M” rating, the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the microphone setting. Thus, M4 is rated higher than M3.
“T” refers to using the hearing aid set on telecoil. The higher the “T” number the more likely you will receive better interoperability performance between your phone and hearing aid on the telecoil setting. Thus the T4 is the 'better' or higher of the two ratings. Reduced feedback and reduced background noise are additional benefits of using a hearing aid set on telecoil during phone use. To determine the likelihood of successful cell phone use with your hearing aid, add the “T” rating number of the cell phone to the “T” rating number of your hearing aid.
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Are there phones I can use with my hearing aid on the T-coil (telecoil) setting?
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Yes. Beginning Fall 2006 phones that have achieved a T-rating will be labeled on the box with a 'Rated for Hearing Aids: T3' or Rated for T-Coil Hearing Aids: T3'. The phones that have a T-rating in addition to an M-rating will be labeled with 'Rated for Hearing Aids: M3/T3'.
Some telecoil users may also find that accessories such as neckloops may further help with their use of wireless devices until mobile phones are tested and rated for telecoil compatibility, and for using non-rated mobile devices. Your hearing healthcare professional can assist you in choosing an accessory that may improve your experience using a mobile phone with your telecoil.
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Does the type of hearing aid that I have matter?
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Yes, some hearing devices are more “immune” than others to the interference noise created by a digital wireless phone. If your hearing device is vulnerable to interference, you may not be able to successfully use a phone that has been tested and rated as hearing aid compatible.
Ask your hearing healthcare professional if your hearing aid has EMI "shielding" or if the circuitry design is more immune to interference. Audible interference tends to be stronger in analog compared to digital hearing aids and may be less noticeable in completely-in-canal aids compared to behind-the-ear (BTE) aids. Back To Top >>
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How do I know if my hearing aid will work well with a wireless phone?
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The best way to know is to test your hearing device with a wireless phone. Visit a full-service carrier store and ask to try several phones with your hearing device. You may wish to first try phones rated for hearing aids (M3/M4 phones or T3/T4 phones), but phones that haven't been rated may work well too.
Additionally, hearing aids have ratings similar to phones. Ask your hearing healthcare professional for the rating of your aids. Most new hearing aids have at least an M2 or T2 immunity level. Add the ratings of your hearing aid and your phone to determine probable usability:
Any combined rating equal to or greater than 6 offers best use.
Any combined rating equal to 5 is considered normal use.
Any combined rating equal to 4 is considered usable.
For example, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M3 wireless phone, you will have a combined rating of six, which offers best use. This is synonymous for T ratings.
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Does the Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) certification (e.g., a phone rated M3/M4 or T3/T4) impact the quality of phone service for the rated phones?
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No, HAC certification simply means the phone passed the standard requirement for reduced EMI and RF interference and does not impact the quality of service.Back To Top >>
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Is an HAC-compliant phone more expensive than a phone that hasn't been rated for hearing aids?
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No. The range of features and functions of the wireless phone will impact the price, but the hearing aid compatibility will not.Back To Top >>
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What happens if I purchase a phone but later experience problems using it with my hearing aid?
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Sprint suggests you promptly return the phone to the store where you can test other phones to find one that works well with your hearing aid. With the “Sprint 30-day Risk Free Guarantee,” you may return the phone within 30 days of activation. We'll refund your activation fee, waive your early termination fee and only charge you for actual usage.Back To Top >>
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Are there any other ways I can minimize audible interference?
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To further minimize interference:
Use the microphone setting rather than the telecoil setting.
Minimize the time interval on the phone's Display and Keypad backlight settings (see the phone user guide for instructions). Use phones with a pull-out antennae. Phones with embedded antennae may produce more interference. Position the phone so that the antenna is farthest away from your hearing aid. Move the phone around to find the point with least interference.Back To Top >>
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