Explanation of HAC and Rating System
- Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Devices
-
Hearing
aids do not always
function
well with wireless
handsets.
Hearing aids operate
by using
a microphone to pick
up sound
waves, converting
the sound
waves into
electrical signals
to be amplified.
Distortion
or amplifications of
unwanted
sound (noise) often
occurs.
-
The
FCC’s hearing aid
compatibility
requirements address
hearing
aids that operate in
either
two modes – acoustic
coupling (“M”
rating)
or inductive
coupling (“T” rating).
Hearing aids
operating in
Acoustic coupling
mode receive
through a microphone
and
then amplify all
sounds surrounding
the user, including
both
desired sounds, such
as a
telephone’s
audio signal, and
unwanted
ambient noise.
-
Hearing aids
operating in
inductive coupling
mode turn off the
microphone
to avoid amplifying
unwanted
ambient noise,
instead using
a telecoil to
receive only
audio signal-based
magnetic
fields generated by
inductive
coupling-capable
telephones.
-
The
FCC’s “M” and
“T” ratings
indicate whether a
handset
can be expected to
function
well with a hearing
aid and
are generally marked
clearly
on the handset
packaging.
The “M” or “T”
rating
does not guarantee
that the
handset will
function without
distortion or noise,
so Simmetry
Communications
recommends
that you test the
handset
before purchasing.
-
Hearing
aids do not always
function
well with wireless
handsets.
Hearing aids operate
by using
a microphone to pick
up sound
waves, converting
the sound
waves into
electrical signals
to be amplified.
Distortion
or amplifications of
unwanted
sound (noise) often
occurs.
- Levels
of Functionality
-
Simmetry
Wireless offers
HAC-compatible
handsets and devices
in all
major price
categories, including
low-cost (“C”
<$120),
moderate-cost (“B”
level)
($121-$240), and
high-end/feature-rich
(“A” level)
(>$241).
-
Costs
generally
correlate with
the number of
features,
but, if though
experience,
Simmetry
Wireless
finds that a certain
handset
contains features
that work
well with hearing
aids, such
as volume control,
it will
be labeled
accordingly with
an “A” level
for functionality.
- Simmetry Wireless sales staff is trained to assist all existing and prospective customers looking for a HAC-compliant device/handset. HAC-compatible handsets and devices vary in their inherent “levels of functionality,” but typically at least one (1) HAC-compliant handset/device with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer’s price range.
-
Simmetry
Wireless offers
HAC-compatible
handsets and devices
in all
major price
categories, including
low-cost (“C”
<$120),
moderate-cost (“B”
level)
($121-$240), and
high-end/feature-rich
(“A” level)
(>$241).
| Phone Model | Rating | Level |
| Alcatel OT-606A | M3 | C |
| Alcatel OT-806A | M3 | B |
| Alcatel OT-901A | M3 | B |
| Alcatel OT-980A | M3 | A |
| Motorola EM330 | M3,T3 | B |
| Motorola RAZR V3 | M3 | B |
| Motorola W230 | M3,T3 | B |
| Motorola W510 | M3,T3 | B |
| Motorola WX345 | M3,T4 | C |
| Motorola XT720 | M3 | A |
| Nokia 2720 | M3,T3 | C |
| Nokia 2760 | M3,T3 | C |
| Nokia 3610 | M3 | B |
| Nokia 6085 | M3,T3 | B |
| Nokia 7020 | M3,T3 | B |
| Samsung A436 | M3,T3 | A |
| Samsung Nexus S | M3 | A |
| Samsung T219 | M3,T3 | C |
| Samsung T439 | M3,T3 | C |
| Sony Ericsson W580i | M3,T3 | A |
These handsets have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that they use. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in these phones that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of these phones thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Contact Simmetry or the manufacturer of the handset for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, contact Simmetry.
To find out more information regarding Hearing Aid Compatibility please click here.
