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hearing disabilities. While 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 a rating system for wireless phones, to assist hearing
device users 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 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are
likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than phones
that are not rated. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
TRENDY is rated M3.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are
likely to be more
usable with a hearing aid’s telecoil than phones that are not rated.
T4 is the better/higher
of the two ratings.
TRENDY is rated T3.
