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238 Section 4A: Important Safety Information
Using Your Phone With a Hearing Aid Device
A number of Sprint Nextel phones have been tested for hearing aid device
compatibility. When some wireless phones are used with certain hearing devices
(including hearing aids and cochlear 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
phones also vary in the amount of interference noise they may generate. ANSI
standard C63.19 was developed to provide a standardized means of measuring both
wireless 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 hearing device. Not all phones have been
rated for compatibility with hearing devices. Phones that have been rated have a label
located on the box. Your SCP-3100 by Sanyo has M4 and T4 ratings.
These ratings are not guarantees. 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 phone with a higher rating may still cause
unacceptable noise levels in the hearing device. 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 for hearing aid
compatibility and are likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than
unrated phones. (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 aid devices may also be measured for immunity to interference noise from
wireless phones and should have ratings similar to phones. Ask your hearing
healthcare professional for the rating of your hearing aid. Add the rating of your
hearing aid and your phone to determine probable usability:
ⅷ
Any combined rating equal to or greater than six offers excellent use.
ⅷ
Any combined rating equal to five is considered normal use.
ⅷ
Any combined rating equal to four is considered usable.
Thus, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M3 phone, you will have a combined rating
of six for “excellent use.”This is synonymous for T ratings.
Sprint Nextel further suggests you experiment with multiple phones (even those not
labeled M3/T3 or M4/T4) while in the store to find the one that works best with your
hearing aid device. Should you experience interference or find the quality of service
unsatisfactory after purchasing your phone, promptly return it to the store within 30
days of purchase. With the Sprint 30-day Risk-Free Guarantee, you may return the
phone within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
More information about hearing aid compatibility may be found at:
w
ww.fcc.gov
,
www.fda.gov, and www.access wir eless.org.