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To make sure the deaf and hard of hearing individuals can use digital wireless devices, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 ("HAC Act"), passing regulations to increase the number of hearing aid-compatible wireless devices. The FCC has approved standards and passed regulations for digital wireless devise use with hearing aids. The FCC defines Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for wireless devices in terms of two parameters; radio frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling.
Digital technology means more features and improved efficiency—but some digital phones can cause interference for hearing aidusers. When a wireless phone is in communication with its network an electromagnetic field is present around the phone's antenna. During communication with a digital wireless phone this field pulses. It is this pulsing energy that may be picked up by the hearing aid's microphone or telecoil circuitry and is heard as a buzzing sound through the hearing aid.
Information about a wireless phone's HAC rating can be found on the feature cards next to the phones in Airfire operated stores, on the phone box and in the phone manual.
Only phones that meet the minimum rating will be labeled HAC compliant. The package and the display cards will be labeled in with a "M" and/or a "T" and a rating number. If you see a M3, M4 T4 or T3 label on the feature cards or packing then the devices is HAC compliant.
"M" refers to the devices RF emission level and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in microphone mode. The higher the M rating the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the microphone setting. Phones with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled.
"T" refers to the device's telecoil coupling ability and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode. The higher the "T" rating number on the phone the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on telecoil setting.
A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Telecoils are very useful for telephone communication because they allow the volume control of a hearing aids to be turned up without creating feedback or whistling. Background noise can be reduced especially when using cell phones in noisy places.
Telecoil users will also want to control backlighting of the display and keypad since these features may also cause interference. Interference from backlighting is not considered when determining a cell phones HAC rating.
Phones and accessories that are Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) will work with hearing aids that support the telephone switch feature. This is commonly known as the "T-switch" or "T-coil" that is built into the hearing aids. HAC products will only work with hearing aids that have a telephone switch.
Airfire wireless currently sells numerous phone models that meet the FCC M and T rating standards. For more details on devices, please call our customer care or ask any sales consultant.
Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized so customers who use hearing aids are encouraged to try hearing aid compatible phones at Airfire Wireless owned and operated stores to determine which phones will work best for them.
