Hearing Aid Compliance

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 amplification of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs.

The FCC’s hearing aid compatibility requirements address hearing aids that operate in

either of two modes – acoustic coupling (“M” ratting) or inductive coupling (“T” rating).

Hearing aids operating inn 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 My Mobile

recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

My Mobile offers HAC-compatible handsets and devices in all major price categories,

including low-cost (“C” level) (<$1000), moderate-cost (“B” level”) ($1000-$250), and

high-end/feature-rich (“AA” level) (>$$250). Costs generally correlate with the number

of features, but, if though experience, My Mobile finds that a certain handset contains

features that work well with hearing aids, such ass volume control, it will be labeled

accordingly with an “A” level for functionality. My Mobile’ s sales staff is trained to

assist all existing and prospective customers looking for a HAAC-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.