Sprint Nextel i856 manual Using Your Phone With a Hearing Aid Device

Using Your Phone With a Hearing Aid Device

A number of Nextel phones have been tested for hearing aid device compatibility. When some wireless phones are used with certain hearing devices (including hearing aids and cochlear implants), users may detect a noise which can interfere with the effectiveness of the hearing device.

Some hearing devices are more immune than others to this interference noise, and phones 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 wireless phone and hearing devices to determine usability rating categories for both.

Ratings have been developed for mobile phones to assist hearing device users find phones that may be compatible with their hearing device. Not all phones have been rated for compatibility with hearing devices. Phones that have been rated have a label with the rating(s) located on the box, and are listed at www.motorola.com/accessibility.

These ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user’s hearing device and individual type and degree of hearing loss. If a hearing device is particularly vulnerable to interference noise; even a phone with a higher rating may still cause unacceptable noise levels in the hearing device. Trying out the phone with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for your personal needs.

M-Ratings:Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements for hearing aid compatibility and are likely to generate less

interference to hearing devices than unrated phones. (M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.)

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 aid devices may also be measured for immunity to interference noise from wireless phones and should have ratings similar to phones. Ask your hearing health care professional for the rating of your hearing aid. Add the rating of your hearing aid and your phone to determine probable 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 pair an M3 hearing aid with an M3 phone, you will have a combined rating of six for “excellent use.”This is synonymous for T ratings.

Nextel further suggests you experiment with multiple phones (even those not labeled M3/T3 or M4/T4) while in the store to find the one that works best with your hearing aid device.

Should you experience interference or find the quality of service unsatisfactory after purchasing your phone, promptly return it to the store within 30 days of purchase. With the Sprint 30-day Risk-Free Guarantee, you may return the phone within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. More information about hearing aid compatibility may be found at: www.motorola.com/accessibility, www.fcc.gov, www.fda.gov, and www.accesswireless.org.

Important Safety Information

S1. Important Safety Information 163