Safety
implants), users may detect a
buzzing, humming, or whining
noise. Some hearing devices are
more immune than others to this
interference noise, and phones also
vary in the amount of interference
they generate.
The wireless telephone industry
has developed a rating system for
wireless phones, to assist hearing
device users to find phones that
may be compatible with their
hearing devices. Not all phones
have been rated. Phones that are
rated have the rating on their box
or a label located on the box.
The ratings are not guarantees.
Results will vary depending on the
user's hearing device and hearing
loss. If your hearing device
happens to be vulnerable to
interference, you may not be able
to use a rated phone successfully.
Trying out the phone with your
hearing device is the best way to
evaluate it for your personal needs.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or
M4 meet FCC requirements and
are likely to generate less
interference to hearing devices
than phones that are not labeled.
M4 is the better/higher of the two
ratings.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4
meet FCC requirements and are
likely to generate less interference
to hearing devices than phones
that are not labeled. T4 is the
better/higher of the two ratings.
Hearing devices may also be rated.
Your hearing device manufacturer
or hearing health professional may
help you find this rating. Higher
ratings mean that the hearing
device is relatively immune to
interference noise. The hearing aid
and wireless phone rating values
are then added together. A sum of
5 is considered acceptable for
normal use. A sum of 6 is
considered for best use.
M3 + M2 = 5
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