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Frequently Asked Questions - For Hearing Aid Users Who Would Like to Purchase a Digital Wireless Phone

  1. What are some of the key features that I should look for in purchasing a wireless phone?
  2. What are some present day solutions for hearing aid and digital wireless interference?
  3. When digital wireless service is explained as CDMA, TDMA or GSM, what does that mean?
  4. What is interference between hearing aids and wireless phones?
  5. What is a telecoil?
  6. What is T-coil coupling?
  7. Are there other potential sources of interference for hearing aids?
  8. What wireless devices are covered in the HAC requirements?
  9. When will hearing aid compatible cell phones be available?
  10. Who manufactures wireless devices that have been approved by the FCC?
  11. How will I know if a phone is HAC-compliant?
  12. Do HAC-compliant cell phones look any different from other cell phones?
  13. Are HAC-compliant phones more expensive than phones without hearing aid compatibility?
  14. Are there phones I can use with my hearing aid on the microphone setting?
  15. Are there phones I can use with my hearing aid on the telecoil setting?
  16. May I try the phone before I buy?
  17. Can I return the phone if it does not work for me after purchase?
  18. Do the FCC HAC regulations guarantee that I will be able to use a cell phone with my hearing aid?
  19. How do I know if my hearing aids will work with my cell phone?
  20. What if I cannot find a cell phone that works with my hearing aid?

1. What are some of the key features that I should look for in purchasing a wireless phone?

As a hearing aid user there are a number of different features that may make it easier for you to use a digital wireless phone. These features may include but aren't limited to:

  • Vibrating alert for incoming calls
  • Selectable ringer tones - different frequencies or patterns may be easier for you to hear
  • T-coil coupling
  • Limited or no interference between the hearing aid and wireless phone
  • Short messaging service (SMS)
  • Increased volume control
  • Headset
  • Compatibility with a neckloop

The best approach for individuals who wear hearing aids is to explore the different wireless services offered. As a consumer talk with your audiologist and service provider to find out what phone model would work best for your individual needs. Ask to try out the phone before purchasing, as many companies now offer a trial period to help individuals find the right phone model that meets their needs.
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2. What are some present day solutions for hearing aid and digital wireless interference?

Hearing loss and hearing aids are different for each person. Hearing aid and phone manufacturers are continuously updating their products but no hearing aid and wireless phone combination can be guaranteed to work for everyone, however this information can be used to point hearing aid users in the right direction.

The wireless handset -

  • Have a conversation with your audiologist to discuss your wireless phone usage and help pinpoint a match between your hearing aid and phone model that may work for your individual needs.
  • Ask the service provider to try the phone model out in the store to see that the model works with your hearing aid. Also check to see if the store has a trial period that allows you to see if the phone works with your hearing aid in normal use conditions. Most carrier stores have these test policies, but the policies may not be the same at non-carrier retail outlets.
The hearing aid -
  • Recognize that there are many different types of digital electronic signals around us that can unintentionally interfere with the electronics in devices such as hearing aids, medical equipment and pacemakers, to name a few.
  • Advances in hearing aid and wireless phone technology are helping to design electronics that prevent interference from the many sources of digital signals.
  • Hearing aid wearers have choices among products including wireless phones and immunity to digital signals should be a feature that the hearing aid wearer looks for in a new hearing aid.
Accessory devices -
  • Consider using an accessory device with your wireless handset, such as a neckloop, an inductive silhouette or a headset. Wireless phone manufacturers and third-party accessory makers offer a variety of these options.
  • Using an accessory device moves the handset away from your hearing aids, which can also reduce interference.

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3. When digital wireless service is explained as CDMA, TDMA or GSM, what does that mean?

CDMA, TDMA and GSM are different types of digital technology used by wireless phone service providers. Each represents a different way of transmitting the digital signal over the airwaves.

CMDA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. This technology sends out information in multiple digital packets tagged with a code. The packets are then spread out over a wide radio channel and collected by the receiving wireless phone. A good example is an English speaking person in a crowded room full of Italian speakers and being able to pick out the only other English speaking person in the room.

TDMA stands for Time Division Multiple Access. This technology sends out information by assigning each call a unique time slot in the radio frequency channel. Each channel has 3 slots, so that no two calls will be on one channel at the same time.

GSM stands for Global Standard for Mobile and is a digital cellular or PCS network used throughout the world. This technology operates similar to the TDMA technology. The only difference is that with GSM there are up to 8 different time slots that may transmit the calls.
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4. What is interference between hearing aids and wireless phones?

The digital electronics revolution has brought many benefits to consumers, including improved wireless communications. At the same time, the increased use of digital technologies has proven problematic for some people who wear hearing aids. Signals from digital wireless phones can be unintentionally picked up by hearing aids, processed through the hearing aid circuitry and cause interference. Interference is typically experienced as a "buzz" heard by the hearing aid wearer, which makes it difficult or impossible to hear the telephone conversation. This is not the case with the analog phones, which transmit the signal in a format that does not interfere with hearing aids.
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5. 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. Not all hearing aids have telecoils. 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 setting. 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.
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6. What is T-coil coupling?

A T-coil is a device in some hearing aids that allows a hearing aid to pick up low-level magnetic signals from a phone. When a T-coil is used, the microphone on the hearing aid is turned off and the sound from the phone is delivered to the hearing aid via the magnetic signals. Because the microphone is turned off, T-coils help eliminate backgrounds noises and help the user hear only the phone conversation. Because of the differences in phone design not all wireless phones will have T-coil coupling.
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7. Are there other potential sources of interference for hearing aids?

Yes. Hearing aid wearers may also experience interference from other electronics, security systems, computer monitors or fluorescent lights. One way to fix the problem is to move away from the source (e.g. digital signal) or to increase the immunity of the hearing aid.
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8. What wireless devices are covered in the HAC requirements?

A. The FCC's HAC requirements include devices used in digital "commercial mobile radio services," more commonly referred to as cellular phone service or wireless phone services. These devices include digital cell phones, mobile phones, and handheld PC's and PDA's that include telephone functionality. Throughout this brochure, all of these types of phones are called wireless devices, cell phones, or phones.
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9. When will hearing aid compatible cell phones be available?

A. The FCC required that nationwide carriers offer a range of phones that comply with HAC regulations for rating and labeling for microphone mode (RF interference) as of September 2005 and for telecoil mode (magnetic coupling) as of September 2006. Many regional carriers also offer phones and support.
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10. Who manufactures wireless devices that have been approved by the FCC?

A. All major handset manufacturers are required to offer HAC-compliant devices and may also offer hands-free accessories to improve usability.
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11. How will I know if a phone is HAC-compliant?

A. HAC-compliant device packages are marked with "M" or "T" ratings to reflect how the wireless device will work with the hearing aid in microphone mode ("M") and in telecoil mode ("T"). Only phones that are tested and meet the minimum rating for HAC, "M3" or "T3," and higher will be labeled. If you see an "M3," "M4," "T3" or "T4" on the box, then the phone has been designated as HAC-compliant. Information about phones that are rated for HAC also will be shown on the display card by the phone in service provider operated retail stores and in the product's manual or packaging insert. If you have questions about the rating of a wireless device or service, ask your service provider or device manufacturer for more information. The higher the "M" rating on the phone, the more likely it is you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the microphone setting. The higher the "T" rating, the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the telecoil setting.
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12. Do HAC-compliant cell phones look any different from other cell phones?

A. No.
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13. Are HAC-compliant phones more expensive than phones without hearing aid compatibility?

A. No. The range of features and functions of cell phones will impact the price, but hearing aid compatibility will not. Service provider owned and operated stores will offer a range of phones with varying features and prices.
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14. Are there phones I can use with my hearing aid on the microphone setting?

A. As of September 2005, FCC regulations have required that nationwide manufacturers and service providers make available cell phones for use with hearing aids on the microphone setting. These phones have reduced RF interference. Phones that have been tested for microphone mode and are HAC-compliant will be labeled on the box with ratings of "M3" or "M4." There are also phones on the market that work with hearing aids in the microphone setting but they may not be labeled.
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15. Are there phones I can use with my hearing aid on the telecoil setting?

A. There may be phones on the market that work with telecoils but they are not labeled. The FCC regulations require that manufacturers and service providers make available two cell phones for use with hearing aids on the telecoil setting as of September 2006. Phones that have been tested for telecoil and are HAC-compliant will be labeled on the box with ratings of "T3" or "T4." There are already phones on the market that work with hearing aids in the telecoil setting but they may not be labeled.
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16. May I try the phone before I buy?

A. It's best to try several phones before buying to find the best match with your hearing aids. Visit a full-service store owned and operated by a service provider and ask to try phones that have been designated as "hearing aid compatible." Since September 2005, stores owned and operated by a wireless service provider are required to provide you with an opportunity to try out phones in the store.
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17. Can I return the phone if it does not work for me after purchase?

A. Be sure to understand the return policy and early termination fees before signing up for any cell phone or service. Since a cell phone's performance with your hearing aid can change depending on your location, your listening experience outside the store may be different.
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18. Do the FCC HAC regulations guarantee that I will be able to use a cell phone with my hearing aid?

A. While there is no guarantee, phones that comply with Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) regulations should improve usability for hearing aid users. Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized so it is still advisable to try a cell phone with your hearing aid in the store before making your cell phone purchase.
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19. How do I know if my hearing aids will work with my cell phone?

A. Most new hearing aids contain RF immune circuitry and about half contain a telecoil. These digital hearing aids are designed to be usable with wireless devices with lower RF emissions and magnetic coupling ability. Your hearing healthcare professional will be able to tell you if your hearing aid is immune to RF interference and may need to contact the manufacturer of your hearing aid to determine its immunity rating. Your hearing healthcare professional will also be able to tell you if your hearing aid contains a telecoil.
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20. What if I cannot find a cell phone that works with my hearing aid?

A. You can check with your hearing healthcare professional to determine if there is a hearing aid option for you that may work better with cell phones. Some users may find that accessories such as neckloops may further assist with their use of HAC-rated wireless devices and for using non-rated cell phones.
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