Due to the growing number of individuals relying on digital wireless as opposed to analog services, the Federal Communication Commission has passed regulations for wireless phones to ensure that users are able to acquire HAC (hearing aid compatible) devices.

HAC for cell phones is divided into two parameters: radio frequency (RF) emissions, and telecoil coupling. All HAC phones are labelled with a letter that specifies what hearing aid mode the phone is intended to be used in: “M” for microphone, or “T” for telecoil.

*Microphone mode means that the hearing aid “listens” to sounds with it’s microphone and then amplifies them for the user.

*Telecoil mode means that the hearing aid “listens” to magnetic signals emitted by devices that represent sounds. This means that when using a cell phone in “T” mode with the microphone turned off, the user will not hear any background noise during conversation.

In order to comply with the FCC hearing aid compatibility requirements, cell phones are also marked with a rating of  either M3 or M4 for RF emissions or T3 or T4 for telecoil coupling. The higher the number, the more likely you will be able to use the phone on the specified setting.

Since all major handset manufacturers are required to provide HAC-compliant devices, finding a cell phone should prove an easy task.

However, some hearing aids are built with a certain level of immunity to RF interference (keeps user from hearing interference from the magnetic signals emitted by other devices) which may cause difficulties. You may need to contact your healthcare professional or the manufacturer of your hearing aid to determine the immunity rating before purchasing any cell phone.

When looking to purchase a phone with a plan, individuals should ask to try out the phone in the store or inquire about a trial period to ensure that the user’s hearing aid and the cell phone work well together.

Because hearing loss is so individual, no hearing aid and wireless phone combination can be guaranteed to work for everyone, however this information can point hearing aid users in the right direction.

Although FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility regulations should improve the ease in using cell phones with hearing aids, some users may not find a suitable combination. If this is the case, users may consider trying out accessory devices such as inductive neck loops, inductive silhouette ear hooks, and direct audio-input-modified headsets.