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Some hearing devices are more immune than others to this interference noise, and phones also
vary in the amount of interference noise they may generate. ANSI standard C63.19 was developed
to provide a standardized means of measuring both wireless phone and hearing devices to
determine usability rating categories for both.
Ratings have been developed for mobile phones to assist hearing device users find phones that
may be compatible with their hearing device. Not all phones have been rated for compatibility with
hearing devices. Phones that have been rated have a label located on the box. Your ALCATEL
ONETOUCH Elevate has an M4/T4 rating.
These ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user's hearing device and
individual type and degree of hearing loss. If a hearing device is particularly vulnerable to
interference noise; even a phone with a higher rating may still cause unacceptable noise levels in
the hearing device. Trying out the phone with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for
your personal needs.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements for hearing aid compatibility and are
likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than unrated phones. (M4 is the better/higher
of the two ratings.)
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a
hearing device's telecoil ("T Switch" or "Telephone Switch") than unrated phones. (T4 is the
better/higher of the two ratings. Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them.)
Note: New Technologies, Including Wi-Fi. This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing
aids for some of the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be newer wireless
technologies (including Wi-Fi) used in this phone that have not been tested for use with hearing aids.
Hearing aid devices may also be measured for immunity to interference noise from wireless phones
and should have ratings similar to phones. Ask your hearing healthcare professional for the rating of
your hearing aid. Add the rating of your hearing aid and your phone to determine probable usability:
Any combined rating equal to or greater than six offers excellent use.
n
Any combined rating equal to five is considered normal use.
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Any combined rating equal to four is considered usable.
n
Thus, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M3 phone, you will have a combined rating of six for
"excellent use." This is synonymous for T ratings.
It is further suggested you experiment with multiple phones (even those not labeled M3/T3 or
M4/T4) while in the store to find the one that works best with your hearing aid device. Should you
experience interference or find the quality of service unsatisfactory after purchasing your phone,
promptly return it to the store. More information about hearing aid compatibility may be found at:
fcc.gov, fda.gov, and accesswireless.org.
This equipment complies with the hearing aid compatibility technical requirements of Section 20.19
of the rules. HAC Ratings: M4 T4 -2011.
Regulatory Information
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