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Hearing aids do not always function well with wireless handsets. Hearing aids operate by using a microphone to pick up sound waves, converting the sound waves into electrical signals to be amplified. Distortion or amplification of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs.

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) hearing aid compatibility requirements address hearing aids that operate in either of two modes – acoustic coupling (“M” rating) or inductive coupling (“T” rating). The FCC’s “M” and “T” ratings indicate whether a handset can be expected to function well with a hearing aid and are generally marked clearly on the handset packaging and in owner manuals.

Acoustic Coupling & “M” Ratings

Hearing aids operating in acoustic coupling mode receive through a microphone and then amplify all sounds surrounding the user, including both desired sounds, such as a telephone’s audio signal, and unwanted ambient noise.

Handsets that receive a hearing aid compatibility rating of M3 or M4 have met or surpassed the ANSI hearing aid compatibility standard as adopted by the Federal Communications Commission.

• M3 rating indicates the handset satisfies the ANSI standard
• M4 rating indicates that the handset exceeds the ANSI standard

The higher M-rating the handset has the lower the Radio Frequency emissions level and higher signal quality the handset will have. If there is no M-rating then the handset does not meet the ANSI standard. The handset’s M-rating along with a hearing aid’s M-rating will assist customers in finding a handset that will work best for them. The hearing aid must be in microphone mode in order to replicate the mode that is used with the handset when the rating was achieved.

Inductive Coupling & “T” Ratings

Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noise, instead using a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones.

Handsets that receive a telecoil rating of a T3 or T4 have met or surpass the required standard as adopted by the Federal Communications Commission.

Hearing Aid Compatible Phones

Cellular One of NEPA offers a number of phone models that meet the FCC “M” and “T” rating standards. Below is a list of Cellular One of NEPA devices that are rated for hearing aid compatibility. For more information, please visit a Cellular One of NEPA retail store.

The “M” or “T” rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise, so Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

Additional HAC Resources

http://accesswireless.org/hearingaid/brochures.cfm