Using Your Phone With A Hearing Aid Device - Samsung SPH-A640 User Manual

Using Your Phone With a Hearing Aid Device

Your phone has been tested for hearing aid device compatibility. When some wireless
phones are used near some hearing devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants), users
may detect a buzzing, humming, or 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 ratings for some of their mobile phones, to
assist hearing device users in finding phones that may be compatible with their hearing
devices. Not all phones have been rated. Phones that have been rated will have an "M3" or
"M4" rating on the box. Your SPH-a640 by Samsung has an M3 rating.
Note: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and may generate less
interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/
higher of the two ratings.
The M3/M4 ratings do not guarantee successful interoperation between your phone and
hearing aid device. Results will vary depending on the level of immunity of your hearing
device and degree of your hearing loss.
The more immune your hearing aid device is, the less likely you are to experience
interference noise from your wireless phone. Hearing aid devices should have ratings
similar to phones. Ask your hearing healthcare professional for the rating of your aids. Most
new hearing aids have at least an M2 immunity level. Add the "M" ratings of your hearing
aid and your phone to determine probable usability:
Any combined rating equal to or greater than six offers best use.
Any combined rating equal to five is considered normal use.
Any combined rating equal to four is considred usable.
Thus, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M3 phone, you will have a combined rating of
six for "best use."
Qwest further suggests you experiment with multiple phones (even those not labeled M3 or
M4) while in the store to find the one that works best with your hearing aid device. Should
you experience interference after purchasing your phone, promptly return it to the store.
Getting the Best Hearing Device Experience With
Your Phone
To further minimize interference:
There is usually less interference on the microphone setting than the telecoil setting.
Set the phone's Display and Keypad backlight settings to ensure the minimum time
interval:
Section 4A: Important Safety Information 195