As wireless providers like Alaska Communications moved from analog to digital services, accessibility for hearing aid users became a concern to providers and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Analog wireless telephones did not cause much interference with hearing aids but some digital phones can cause interference for hearing aid users. Alaska Communications chose Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) air interface for its network upgrades. It is much easier to meet hearing aid compatibility standards on CDMA.

To make sure hearing aid users can use digital wireless devices, the FCC updated the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 ("HAC Act”), passing regulations to increase the number of hearing aid-compatible wireless devices. As a result, Alaska Communications provides information on each wireless telephone regarding its hearing aid compatibility and the ratings as provided by manufacturers of the wireless phones.

More information about hearing aid compatibility can be found at the FCC’s website: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/hac_wireless.html.

Standards

There are two sets of standards for compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing aids. These standards are established by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI): an “M” rating from one to four for reduced radio frequency (RF) interference to enable acoustic coupling with hearing aids that do not operate in telecoil mode, and a “T” rating from one to four to enable inductive coupling with hearing aids operating in telecoil mode.

M-Ratings

Phones with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.

Hearing devices may also be rated for this type of interference but your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional will be able to assist you with gathering information about your hearing device.

T-Ratings

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. In this rating scale, T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.