E911 Mandates
Where service is available, this phone complies with the Phase I and Phase II E911 Mandates issued by the FCC.
Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Features
This payLo by Virgin Mobile phone has received a HAC performance rating (designated by the letter M followed by a number). The rating for this phone is identified on the outside of this phone’s original packaging. While there is no guarantee, digital wireless phones that receive a minimum of an M3 rating should provide acceptable performance with most hearing aids. Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized, however, so optimal performance cannot be guaranteed. Other factors, such as type of hearing aid device or degree of hearing loss, also can affect a phone’s performance for a particular user.
Hearing Aids and Wireless Phones
A hearing aid uses a microphone to collect and convert sound waves to electrical signals. The hearing aid then amplifies and converts the electrical signals back to audible sounds for the hearing aid user to hear. Radio Frequency (RF) emissions generated by digital wireless phones often interfere with the operation of a hearing aid’s microphone, distorting the amplified audible sound. In addition, hearing aid microphones tend to collect ambient noise and amplify these sounds, interfering with the desired audio transmission.
ANSI Standard
To diminish interference between wireless phones and hearing aids, the FCC requires wireless carriers to offer phones that meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C63.19 standard for reduced RF emissions. Wireless phones that comply with the FCC’s hearing aidcompatibility (HAC) regulations must receive a minimum rating of “M3” for RF emissions under the ANSI C63.19 standard. The “M” rating refers to the phone’s RF emissions level for use with hearing aids operating in the microphone setting.
The higher the phone’s “M” rating, the more likely the phone is compatible with a hearing aid operating in the microphone setting. Hearing aids also have ratings similar to wireless phones. Most newer hearing aid models receive at least an M2 rating.
To determine the level of compatibility between your hearing aid and this payLo by Virgin Mobile HAC certified phone, combine the M rating of your hearing aid and the M rating of this phone. For example, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M4 phone, you will achieve a combined rating of 7.
•Any combined rating equal to or greater than 6 provides excellent performance.
•Any combined rating equal to 5 offers good performance.
•Any combined rating equal to 4 offers acceptable performance.
Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to this type of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional may help you choose the proper rating for your mobile phone. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you are to experience interference noise from mobile phones.
Please visit www.virginmobileusa.com if you have any additional questions about hearing
Kyocera Communications Inc.
To purchase accessories, visit
kyocera.superiorcommunications.com or
www.virginmobileusa.com.
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