Hearing Aid Compatibility and Wireless Devices

Cellular South strives to offer a wide selection of phones meeting the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) standards for wireless device use with hearing aids. The hearing aid compatibility ratings for the devices we offer are listed in the chart below.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does hearing aid compatibility (HAC) mean for wireless devices?

  The FCC defines HAC for wireless devices in terms of two parameters: radio frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling. Wireless devices that comply with the FCC's hearing aid compatibility rule must receive a minimum rating of M3 for RF emissions and T3 for telecoil coupling.

• What does the "M" rating mean?

  "M" refers to the RF emissions level of the device, and means that the device is intended for use with hearing aids in microphone mode. The higher the "M" rating for a device, the more likely it can be used with a hearing aid on the microphone setting.

• What does the "T" rating mean?

  "T" refers to the device's telecoil coupling ability, and means that the device is intended for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode. The higher the "T" rating for a device, the more likely the device can be used with a hearing aid on the telecoil setting.

  A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. To use the telecoil, generally either the hearing aid is switched to the "T" position or a button on the hearing aid is pushed to select the telecoil program. Some newer hearing aids will automatically switch to telecoil mode when using a phone. The telecoil picks up magnetic fields generated by telephones and converts these fields into sound. Telecoils are particularly useful for telephone communication because they permit the volume control of a hearing aid to be turned up without creating feedback or "whistling," and background noise can be reduced especially when using wireless devices in noisy places. A hearing health professional can determine whether a hearing aid contains a telecoil and how it is activated.

• How do I know if a wireless device is HAC compliant?

  At www.cellularsouth.com, HAC-compliant devices will include a Hearing Aid Compatible icon next to them on the main list of phones. By clicking to view an individual device's details, the list of features will contain the HAC rating. Also, HAC-compliant device packages are marked with "M3" or "M4" ratings. The "M" rating refers to the microphone mode. Only phones that meet HAC compliance will be labeled as such. Every individual's hearing loss in unique; therefore, these ratings do not guarantee performance.

• Do the HAC ratings guarantee that I will be able to use a wireless device with my hearing aid?

  While there is no guarantee, wireless devices that comply with HAC regulations should improve usability for hearing aid wearers. Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized so it is advisable to consult with your audiologist or hearing healthcare professional before making your wireless device purchase.

• How do I know if my hearing aid will work with my wireless device?

  Your hearing healthcare professional will be able to tell you if your hearing aid is immune to RF interference and may need to contact the manufacturer of your hearing aid to determine its immunity rating.

• Can I try a wireless device to determine if it works with my hearing aid?

  Yes, our return and exchange policy allows ample time to determine if a wireless device works with your hearing aid.

Learn more about hearing aid compatibility and wireless devices.

Hearing Aid Compatible Devices

Roll over each icon for a description of the phone's main features.

Levels of Functionality	Model	HAC Rating
Advanced	BlackBerry 8830 World Edition	M4/T4	X		X	X	X	X		X
Advanced	BlackBerry Curve 8330	M4/T4	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Advanced	BlackBerry Pearl 8130	M4/T4	X	X	X	X	X	X		X	X
Advanced	BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230	M4/T4	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Advanced	BlackBerry Tour 9630	M3	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Advanced	HTC Snap 6175	M3/T3	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Advanced	HTC Hero 6250	M3/T3	X	X	X	X	X	X		X	X
Advanced	HTC 6800	M4/T4	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Advanced	HTC Touch Pro 6850	M3	X	X	X	X	X	X		X	X
Advanced	HTC Touch 6900	M3	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Advanced	HTC Touch Diamond 6950	M3	X	X	X	X	X	X		X	X
Advanced	LG Script 265	M3/T4		X	X				X	X	X
Advanced	LG 370	M4/T4	X	X	X	X			X	X
Advanced	LG Volt 700	M4/T3	X	X	X	X			X	X
Advanced	LG Spyder	M3	X	X	X	X			X	X	X
Advanced	LG Spyder II 840	M4/T4	X	X	X	X			X	X	X
Advanced	Motorola Evoke QA4	M4/T3	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
Advanced	Motorola Hint QA30	M4/T3	X	X	X	X			X	X
Advanced	Motorola ROKR Z6m	M4	X	X	X	X			X	X
Advanced	Motorola RAZR VE20	M4/T4	X	X	X	X			X	X	X
Advanced	Motorola VE465	M4	X	X	X	X			X	X
Advanced	Nokia Corsica 3606	M4/T4		X	X				X	X
Advanced	Samsung Finesse R810	M4	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
Advanced	Samsung Freeform R350	M4/T4		X	X				X	X	X
Average	Kyocera E1000	M4/T4		X					X	X
Average	Kyocera Neo E1100	M3/T4		X					X	X	X
Average	Kyocera K323	M4/T4		X					X	X
Average	LG 260	M3/T3		X	X	X			X	X
Average	LG 300	M3/T3		X					X	X	X
Average	LG 380	M3/T3	X	X	X	X			X	X
Average	Motorola RAZR V3a	M3/T3		X		X			X	X
Average	Motorola W385	M4/T4		X					X	X
Average	Motorola VE440	M3/T4		X	X				X	X	X
Average	Samsung A870	M4/T4		X					X	X
Average	Samsung R500	M4	X	X	X	X			X	X
Average	Samsung Trill R520	M4/T3	X	X	X	X			X	X	X
Average	UTStarcom 8955	M4		X	X	X			X	X
Basic	Kyocera S1000	M3/T4
Basic	LG 100	M4/T4							X
Basic	Motorola VE240	M3/T3			X				X	X	X
Basic	Motorola W315	M3							X		X
Basic	Nokia 1006	M3/T3							X		X
Basic	Nokia 1606	M3/T3							X		X
Basic	Nokia 2135	M3/T4							X
Basic	Nokia 2865i (Refurbished)	M3							X	X
Basic	Nokia 6015i (Refurbished)	M3							X
Basic	Samsung MyShot II R460	M4/T4		X	X				X	X	X
Basic	Samsung R300	M4							X		X
Basic	Samsung R430 MyShot	M3	X	X					X	X	X
Basic	Samsung Adorn R600	M4/T4	X	X	X	X			X	X	X

Some phones may not be available with all plans. Compatible phone and plan information is available by viewing Phones and Plans.

Level of Functionality Descriptions:
Advanced - (MSRP - at least $300) Phones classified as "advanced" generally offer enhanced features such as a higher-quality camera, multiple Bluetooth® profiles, Internet access, high-speed processing, a touch-screen interface, e-mail or a Windows Mobile® operating system.
Average - (MSRP - $150 - $299.99) Phones classified as "average" generally offer lower-quality cameras (compared to advanced models), handsfree and headset Bluetooth® profiles, expandable memory, larger phone book capacity, an enhanced color display or increased talk time (over basic models). However, these phones offer fewer features than advanced models.
Basic - (MSRP - $149.99 or less) Phones classified as "basic" offer the necessary wireless features and may have a lower-quality camera and limited Bluetooth® or Internet capabilities. Typically, these phones offer smaller phone book capacity and average talk time. Most of these phones are generally larger in size compared to more advanced models and lack features such as MP3 players, expandable memory and download capabilities.

Revised January 15, 2010