Hearing Aid Compatibility
Choice Wireless offers a number of phones with special features, some of which allow for those with disabilities to easily use certain devices. In our commitment to provide all our customers with devices that meet specific needs, we offer a variety of devices with different features to help you match the one that is best for you. Some features that our devices may include are aid with Visual, Hearing/Speech, Cognitive, and/or Physical impairment.
Hearing-Aid Compatibility (HAC)
The wireless telephone industry has developed a rating system for wireless phones to help hearing device users find phones that may be compatible with their hearing devices.
The ratings are not guarantees. Results vary depending on the user's hearing device and hearing loss. If your hearing device is 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 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 than unrated phones. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. (Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them.)
Choice Wireless offers a range of devices that meet these standards including the following:
| HANDSET | MARKETING NAME | M RATING | T RATING | FUNCTIONALITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG AS740 | Axis | M4 | T3 | TIER 3 |
| LG 100 | Pure | M4 | T4 | TIER 1 |
| LG 155 | Rush | M3 | TIER 1 | |
| LG 265 | Glide | M3 | T4 | TIER 2 |
| LG 3280 | Crave | M3 | TIER 2 | |
| LG 700 | Vision | M4 | T3 | TIER 2 |
| HTC PD06100 | Wildfire | M4 | T4 | TIER 3 |
| Samsung I100 | Gem | M4 | TIER 3 | |
| Samsung I500 | Showcase | M4 | TIER 3 | |
| Samsung R250 | Contour | M4 | T4 | TIER 1 |
| Samsung R261 | Chrono | M4 | T4 | TIER 1 |
| Samsung R350 | Dixon | M4 | T4 | TIER 2 |
| Samsung R580 | Profile | M4 | T3 | TIER 2 |
Functionality level describes the general capabilities of the device. Tier 1devices offer basic features and/or data speeds. Tier 2 devices offer advanced features and/or data speeds. Tier 3 devices are PDAs and Smartphones that offer more advanced computer-like features such as full-featured email, personal organizer and often the ability to add applications.