Hearing Aid Compatibility Information

All digital handsets have a rating for their ability to reduce interference with hearing aids operating in acoustic mode – from M1 to M4, with M4 being the best. Handsets are also rated – from T1 to T4 – for their ability to operate with hearing aids that contain a telecoil and operate in inductive coupling mode. The FCC considers mobile handsets to be hearing aid compatible if they are rated at least M3 for acoustic coupling and at least T3 for inductive coupling. The higher the M-rating the handset has, the lower the Radio Frequency emissions level and higher signal quality the handset will have. The handset’s M-rating along with a hearing aid’s M-rating will assist customers in finding a handset that will work best for them.

Hearing-aid compatibility ratings aren’t a guarantee that a particular hearing aid works well with a particular phone. Some hearing aids might work well with phones that do not meet the FCC requirements for Hearing Aid Compatibility. To ensure that a particular hearing aid works well with a particular phone, use them together before purchasing.

About hearing-aid compatibility and costs

HAC handsets and devices are offered in all major price categories, including low-cost (C level is under $100), moderate-cost (B level is $100 to $250) and high-end/feature-rich (A level is greater than $250). Costs generally correlate with the number of features, but if through experience, Red River finds that certain handset contains features that work well with hearing aids, such as volume control, the handset will be labeled accordingly with an A level for functionality. Red River’s sales staff can assist existing and prospective customers looking for an HAC handset. HAC handsets vary in their inherent levels of functionality, but typically at least one HAC handset with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer’s price range.

About hearing-aid compatibility and newer wireless technologies

Each phone with a HAC rating has 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 a phone that haven’t been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of this phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult a Red River Communications staff member or the manufacturer of this phone for information on hearing-aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult someone in our Member Support department.