Hearing Aid Compatibility with Mobile Phones – 91
Hearing Aid Compatibility with Mobile Phones Some Motorola phones are measured for compatibility with
hearing aids. If the box for your particular model has "Rated
for Hearing Aids" printed on it, the following explanation
applies.
When some mobile phones are used near some hearing
devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants), users may
detect a buzzing, humming, or whining noise. Some hearing
devices are more immune than others to this interference
noise, and phones also vary in the amount of interference
they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed ratings for
some of their mobile phones, to assist hearing device users
in finding phones that may be compatible with their hearing
devices. Not all phones have been rated. Phones that are
rated have the rating on their box or a label on the box.
The ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending
on the user’s hearing device and hearing loss. If your hearing
device happens to be vulnerable to interference, you may not
be able to use a rated phone successfully. Trying out the
phone with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it
for your personal needs.
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 devices may also be measured for immunity to this
type of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or
hearing health professional may help you find results for your
hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is, the
less likely you are to experience interference noise from
mobile phones.