Hearing Aid Compatibility

ATMC WIRELESS strives to provide hearing aid users with the most compatible wireless device possible.

About Hearing Aid Compatibility

As wireless carriers move from analog to digital services, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing is a concern. Digital technology means more features and improved efficiency -- but some digital phones can cause interference for hearing aid users.

To make sure the deaf and hard of hearing can use digital wireless devices, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 ("HAC Act"), passing regulations to increase the number of hearing aid-compatible wireless devices.

Along with many others in the wireless industry, we strive to ensure accessibility for all individuals, including deaf and hard of hearing consumers.

• M-Ratings and Hearing Aid Immunity

  Phones with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.

  Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to this type of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you find results for your hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you are to experience interference noise from mobile phones.



• T-Rating and Compatibility with Hearing Aids with Telecoils

  A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Not all hearing aids have telecoils. Phones with a T-Rating of T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are more likely to work well for people who use hearing aids with telecoils with telephones. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.

Try Before You Buy

Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized so customer who use hearing aids are encouraged to try hearing aid compatible phones at ATMC WIRELESS owned and operated stores to determine which phones will work best for them.

Compatible Phones and Devices

We work closely with handset vendors to improve the user experience of customers who have hearing aids. Pursuant to FCC guidelines, the handsets listed below have been tested and rated for Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC). These HAC ratings, or "M-Ratings" and "T-Ratings," help hearing aid users find the best phone for their needs.

Testing has shown that the following devices tend to perform better with hearing aids: The Levels of Functionality explanation is as follows: "Good" depicts devices with basic technology on entry level data speeds; "Better" depicts devices with advanced technology and/or with advanced functionality; and "Best" depicts devices with new technology and/or with new functionality that operate on faster data speeds. Hearing Aid Compatible Devices Available from ATMC Wireless