Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Devices

Hearing aids do not always function well with wireless handsets. Hearing aids operate by using a microphone to pick up sound waves, converting the sound waves into electrical signals to be amplified. Distortion or amplification of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs.

The FCC's hearing aid compatability requirements address hearing aids that operate in either of two modes - acoustic coupling ("M rating) or inductive coupling ("T" rating). Hearing aids operating in acoustic coupling mode receive through a microphone and then amplify all sounds surrounding the user, including both desired sounds, such as a telephone's audio signal and unwanted ambient noise. Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noise, instead using a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones. The FCC's "M" and "T" ratings indicate whether a handset can be expected to function well with a hearing aid and are generally marked clearly on the handset packaging.

The "M" or "T" rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise, so Gardonville recommends that you research the handset before purchasing.

Levels of Functionality

Gardonville offers HAC compatable handsets and devices in all major price categories, including low-cost ("C" level; <$100), moderate-cost ("B" level; $100-$250), and high-end/feature-rich ("A" level; >$250). Costs generally correlate with the number of features but, if through experience, Gardonville finds that a certain handset contains features that work well with hearing aids, such as volume control, it will be labeled accordingly with an "A" level for functionality. HAC-compatible handsets and devices vary in their inherent "levels of functionality", but typically at least one HAC-compliant handset with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer's price range.

HAC ratings for the devices that Gardonville offers

Motorola W385 - M4, T4

Kyocera Rio E3100 - M4, T4 

LG Accolade 5600 - M4, T4

Motorola V3M - M4, T4

Samsung Alias U740 - M4

Motorola Z6M - M4

LG Octane - M4

Samsung Reality - M4, T3

UT Starcom Ravine - M4, T4

Kyocera Rio E3100 -  M4, T4

 

*These handsets have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that they use. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in these phones that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of these phones thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. You may contact us at (320) 834-5151 or the manufacturer of the handset for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, please feel free to contact us at (320) 834-5151. 

*For more information on HAC ratings, please visit the FCC's page on HAC for Wireless Telephones.