Hearing Aid Compatibility with Mobile Phones
A number of Motorola phones have been tested for hearing aid compatibility. When some wireless phones are used with certain hearing aids, users may detect a noise which can interfere with the effectiveness of the hearing aid.
Some hearing aids are more “immune” than others to this interference noise, and phones can 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 mobile phone and hearing aids to determine usability rating categories for both.
Ratings have been developed for mobile phones to assist hearing aid users find phones that may be compatible with their hearing aid. Not all phones have been rated for compatibility with hearing aids.
Phones that have been rated have a label with the rating(s) located on the box, and at www.motorola.com/iden.
These ratings are not guarantees of compatibility. Results will vary depending on the user's hearing aid and individual type and degree of hearing loss. If a hearing aid is particularly vulnerable to interference, even a phone with a higher rating may still cause unacceptable noise levels in the hearing aid Trying out the phone with your hearing aid is the best way to evaluate it for your personal needs.
“M” Rating: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements for hearing aid compatibility and are likely to generate less interference to hearing aids than unrated phones. (M4 is the “better” or higher of the two ratings.) On those models with an extendable antenna, this rating is determined only with the antenna extended.
“T” Rating: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing aid's telecoil (“T Switch” or “Telephone Switch”) than unrated phones. (T4 is the “better” or higher of the two ratings.) On those models with a telecoil mode setting, this rating is determined only with the phone so set. For setting instructions, see “Features for the Hearing Impaired” in the section entitled “Advanced Calling Features”. Note that not all hearing aids have telecoils in them.
Hearing aids may also be measured for immunity to interference from wireless phones and may have ratings similar to wireless 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 the estimated usability:
•Any combined rating equal to or greater than six offers excellent use.
•Any combined rating equal to five is considered normal use.
•Any combined rating equal to four is considered usable.
Thus, if you use an M3 phone with a M3 hearing aid you will have a combined rating of six for “excellent use.” This methodology applies equally for T ratings.
More information about hearing aid compatibility may be found at: www.motorola.com/accessibility, www.fcc.gov, www.fda.gov, and www.hearingloss.org/learn/cellphonetech.asp
Hearing Aids | A7 |