Is there an HAC chart for phones offered by Page Plus?

What is HAC?

HAC stands for Hearing Aid Compatibility.

What does Hearing Aid Compatibility mean?

Hearing aid compatibility (HAC) for cell phones and other wireless devices is defined by two areas of performance. A cell phone that is HAC has a reduced likelihood of causing interference noise in hearing aids. In addition, a cell phone that is HAC may also be capable of working with a hearing aid’s telecoil. HAC cell phones are designed to work with hearing aids that have some level of built-in protection against the interference that cell phones may cause.

What is a telecoil??

A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. To use the telecoil, generally either the hearing aid is switched to the “T” position or a button on the hearing aid is pushed to select the telecoil program. The telecoil picks up magnetic fields generated by telephones and converts these fields into sound. Telecoils are particularly useful for telephone communication because they permit the volume control of a hearing aid to be turned up without creating feedback or “whistling,” and background noise can be reduced especially when using cell phones in noisy places.

How do I know if a cell phone is hearing aid compatible (HAC)?

Cell phones that are hearing aid compatible have packages labeled with “M” or “T” ratings. If you see the labels “M3”, “M4”, “T3” or “T4” on the box, then the cell phone has been designated as hearing aid compatible. Only phones that meet hearing aid compatibility performance requirements have packages labeled with these “M” or “T” ratings. Information about phones that meet these requirements is also shown on a phone’s display card in retail stores operated by the companies that provide cell phone service (service providers) and in the product’s manual or packaging insert. If you have questions about the rating of a cell phone, ask your service provider or device manufacturer for more information.

What do the M and T ratings mean?

The “M” is a Microphone rating and the “T” is a Telecoil Rating. Since September 2005, cell phone companies have been required to provide several models of cell phones that are rated as being hearing aid compatible when used with hearing aids in the standard microphone setting (M3 or M4). Starting September 18, 2006, that requirement was extended to include phones that are rated as being hearing aid compatible when used in telecoil mode (T3 or T4).

If you use your cell phone while wearing your hearing aids in the Microphone (“M”) mode, look for one that is rated M3 or M4 (M4 is the better rating). An M3 or M4 rating does not guarantee that these phones will be interference-free with your specific hearing aids. However, the higher the rating, the less likely you will be to experience interference. Also, note that just because a cell phone is not rated does not mean it will cause interference—they may or may not—but unrated phones are much more likely to do so.

If you use your cell phone while wearing your hearing aids in telecoil (“T”) mode, look for a phone that is rated T3 or T4 (T4 is the better rating.) Again, this will not guarantee that these phone will be interference-free when using your telecoils, but the higher the rating, the less likely it is that you will experience interference.

Note that phones rated as T3 or T4 must also be rated either M3 or M4. Therefore, phones rated as good for telecoils will also have been rated good when used with hearing aids in the microphone mode.

Hearing Aid Immunity Rating

Cell phone interference is only half of the equation. Few people realize that hearing aids also need to be designed to be resistant to radio frequency (RF) interference (such as is generated by a cell phone). Although not currently mandated by law, hearing aids also have the same rating scale: M1–M4 and T1–T4. Currently a number of digital hearing aids have an M2/T2 rating. However, you need to be aware that not all new hearing aids use RF-immune components. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you are to experience interference from cell phones in the first place.

If you want to know what your hearing aid's immunity rating is, ask your audiologist. If your audiologist doesn't know, they can ask the manufacturer on your behalf.

What does TTY/TDD Compatible mean?

TTY/TDD is a TeleType/Telecommunication Device for the Deaf.

A TTY/TDD is a special device that lets people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired use the telephone to communicate, by allowing them to type text messages. A TTY/TDD is required at both ends of the conversation in order to communicate.

It can be used with both land lines and cell phones (provided the cell phone is compatible). Unlike text messaging, it is designed for synchronous conversation, like a text version of a phone call.

Other Resources

Many people and organizations contribute to ensuring accessible communication is equally available for all individuals with disabilities including deaf and hard of hearing consumers.

For more information visit:

• www.accesswireless.org
• www.fcc.gov/cib/dro/hearing.html
• www.hearingloss.org

List of phones offered by Page Plus

Please review the chart below for specific phone models and levels of HAC Compatibility.