Safety
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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 meet FCC requirements and are likely to
generate less interference to hearing devices than phones that are not
labeled.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 meet FCC requirements and are likely to
generate less interference to hearing devices than phones that are not
labeled.
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.
