Filter
Top Products
187
Hearing Aid
Compatibility
When some mobile phones 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 phones 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 phone and hearing devices to
determine usability rating categories for both.
Ratings have been developed for mobile phones to
assist hearing device users find phones that may be
compatible with their particular hearing device. Not all
mobile phones are rated for compatibility with hearing
devices, but mobile phones 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 phone with a higher
rating may still cause unacceptable noise levels in the
hearing device. Evaluate your personal needs by
trying out the mobile phone with your hearing device.
“M” Rating: Mobile phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC
requirements for hearing aid compatibility and are
likely to generate less interference to hearing devices
than phones 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 phones. In some
cases, hearing devices can be modified or “hardened”
to improve operation with a mobile phone. Your
hearing device manufacturer or hearing health
professional may help you improve the interaction of
your mobile phone and hearing device. Not all hearing
devices are rated for compatibility with mobile phones,
but hearing devices that are rated should have the
rating available. Be sure to evaluate your personal
needs by trying out this mobile phone with your
specific hearing device, using both antenna positions if
this mobile phone is equipped with a retractable
antenna.
More information about hearing aid compatibility may
be found at:
http://commerce.motorola.com/consumer/QWhtml/acc
essibility/default.html (www.motorola.com),
www.fcc.gov, www.fda.gov, and
www.accesswireless.org.