hearing aid compatibility

Hearing Aid Compatible phones

The Federal Communications Commission has set forth requirements for wireless carriers and wireless device manufacturers in an effort to aid consumers who may require the assistance of a hearing aid in the operation of their wireless phone. The wireless industry and consumer groups representing the hard of hearing have been working for years to study this matter and develop standards and solutions to reduce the likelihood of such difficulties. As a result, much progress has been made and there are now a large number of hearing aid compatible (HAC) devices available. A list of Cricket's HAC handsets is available below, along with the hearing aid compatibility rating.

There are two different ratings to consider when picking a hearing aid compatible device:

M-Ratings: reduced hearing aid device interference

Some people with a hearing aid device experience a buzzing or whining noise when using a wireless phone. This noise is caused when the electronics within the hearing aid device pick up and demodulate radio frequency (RF) and/or electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted by the phone.

Phones with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference with 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 from mobile phones and other sources of RF/EMI such as computer monitors and fluorescent lighting.

T-Ratings and compatibility with hearing aids with telecoils

A telecoil is a small device 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. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.

These ratings are meant to serve as a tool to help you find the most suitable handset. Please note that the ratings are not a guarantee that the handset will work with your particular hearing aid. It is important to try different handsets at a Cricket store to determine which handset will work best with your hearing aid.

Additional information regarding definition of HAC functionality (good, better, best)

Cricket offers handsets with a wide range of features and capabilities, and at varying price points. As demonstrated on Cricket's webpage describing its handset models, Cricket's HAC-rated handsets range from basic devices at lower price points, to more feature-rich phones that may include touchscreens, cameras and higher-speed data capabilities (including Smartphones and Wi-Fi enabled phones). Cricket classifies its handset models into three categories:

1. Good – includes basic calling and texting functions, mobile web access, GPS
2. Better – may also include camera phone, Bluetooth, mobile email, QWERTY keypad, multimedia messaging service
3. Best – may also include touchscreen, high-speed data, video, Wi-Fi capability; also includes Smartphones