Hearing aid users may hear buzzing, humming or whining noises when using certain mobile telephones due to microphone radio frequency (acoustic) interference, or telecoil electromechanical (inductive) interference.

FCC rules require the availability of phones that limit acoustic and electromechanical interference. Phones that meet a minimum rating of M3 or M4 will be labeled for HAC compliance for acoustic coupling; phones that meet a minimum rating of T3 or T4 will be labeled for HAC compliance for inductive coupling.

The packaging for hearing aid compatible phones will indicate the device’s “M” and “T” rating; the higher the “M” rating, the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on its microphone setting; the higher the “T” rating, the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on its telecoil setting. Ratings are not guaranteed.

Many hearing aids also are rated to measure their vulnerability to radiofrequency interference. This “immunity” rating is currently voluntary, so you should consult your hearing health professional or the hearing device manufacturer for more information.

Interference may be minimized or eliminated depending on the combination of hearing aid devices with digital mobile telephones, so TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

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Access Wireless.org
www.accesswireless.org

FCC Consumer Facts
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/hac_wireless.html

Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.accesswireless.org/hearingaid/faq.cfm 

Hearing Research.org
http://www.hearingresearch.org/

Public Hearing Aid Compatibility Resources
http://www.atis.org/hac/haclinks.asp

All wireless handsets offered by Mid-Rivers Wireless are available for testing at any of our retail locations.  All hearing-aid compatible handset models are labeled as such.  Customer Service Representatives at all Mid-Rivers office locations can assist you in testing and revieiwing the features of each model.

*For more information on the FCC's Hearing Aid Compatibility Rating System, please visit http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/hac_wireless.html

**Mid-Rivers assigns each compliant handset a level of functionality based upon the company's assessment of two factors:  price and operating features.  Lower-priced handsets with fundamental capabilities are defined as "Basic."  More advanced functions or functionality, such as the availability of a better-quality camera, higher MP capability or enhanced memory, together with a higher price, result in classifying a handset as "Intermediate."  More expensive phones with the availability of wireless Internet capability or an operating system that supports advanced applications are defined as "Advanced."  Mid-Rivers does not currently market any Advanced phones.