Special Needs

Hearing Aid Compatibility

When wireless devices are used near hearing devices (such as 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 and wireless devices also vary in the amount of interference they generate.

The wireless telephone industry has developed ratings to assist hearing device users in finding wireless devices that may be compatible with their hearing devices. Not all wireless devices have been rated. Mobi PCS customers can find HAC phones by looking on the display cards at retail stores. The display will contain a statement such as "Rated for Hearing Aids: M4/T4". These HAC ratings can also be found on the Phones page of the Mobi PCS web site. Go to Phones and click on More Info for the phone you are interested in.

The ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user's hearing device and hearing loss. If your hearing device is vulnerable to interference you may not be able to use a rated wireless device successfully.

M-Ratings - reduced Hearing Aid Device Interference

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

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 wireless devices.

T-ratings - Compatible 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.

Wireless devices 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 wireless devices. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. (Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them.)

Most wireless devices that are rated T3/T4 also have a comparable M-rating, but not all phones with an M-rating have a comparable T-rating.

Additional Hearing Aid Information

All of our phones have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in this phone that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of your phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult your service provider or the manufacturer of your phone for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.

Try Before You Buy

Because user experiences and hearing aid devices are varied, Mobi PCS recommends customers try hearing aid compatible phones at a Mobi PCS store to determine which works best for them. Mobi PCS has a 7-day trial period with less than 30 minutes of talk time for a full refund if not satisfied..

For more information about hearing aid compatibility

Visit the FCC's Consumer & Governmental Affairs bureau Web site at:

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones

Additional Information regarding Hearing Aid Compatibility, including a FAQ page and educational videos, can be found at:

http://www.accesswireless.org/Disability-Categories/Hearing.aspx