Hearing Aid Compatibility

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for wireless devices in terms of two parameters; radio-frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling. The product manual will specify ratings of "M" and/or "T." The highest ratings to date are 3 or 4, (e.g. "M4" or "M3/T3").

M-Ratings and Hearing Aid Immunity

"M" refers to the device's RF emissions level, and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in microphone mode. The higher the "M" rating number on the device, the more likely you will be able to use the device with your hearing aid on the microphone setting.

Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.

T-Ratings and Compatibility with Hearing Aids with Telecoils

A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Not all hearing aids have telecoils.

"T" refers to the device's telecoil coupling ability, and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode. The higher the "T" rating number on the device, the more likely you will be able to use the device with your hearing aid on the telecoil setting.

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. Our current handset line-up includes the following:

Handset	HAC Rating: M	HAC Rating: T
Kyocera Luno	M4	T4
Samsung Contour	M4	T4
Samsung Chrono	M4	T4
LG Wine II	M4	T4
Motorola Quantico	M4	T3
Sonim Armor	M4	T3
Kyocera Torino	M4	T4
LG Saber	M4	T4
LG Exchange	M4	T3
LG Prestige	M4	T4
Samsung Gem	M4
Blackberry Curve 8530	M4	T4
BlackBerry Curve 9330	M4	T4
LG Axis	M4	T3
Samsung Admire	M4	T3
BlackBerry Bold 9650	M3
HTC Desire	M4	T3
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play	M3	T3
Samsung Showcase	M4
HTC Merge	M4	T4
Motorola Milestone PLUS	M3
Motorola Milestone X	M4	T3
LG Ignite	M4	T4
Motorola Milestone X2	M4	T3
HTC 7 Pro	M4	T4
BlackBerry Bold 9930	M3

Try It Before You Buy It

Please be aware that there is no guarantee that a HAC rated phone will work with your hearing aid device.

Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized, so customers who use hearing aids are encouraged to try hearing aid compatible phones at any nTelos Wireless stores to determine which phones will work best for them. At the store, you will be able to place a call to nTelos' customer CARE department to test the phone and determine if it works well with your hearing aid device.