Explanation of HAC and Rating System
 
1) Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Devices

• Hearing aids do not always function well with wireless handsets. Hearing aids operate by using a microphone to pick up sound waves, converting the sound waves into electrical signals to be amplified. Distortion or amplifications of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs.
  

• The FCC’s hearing aid compatibility requirements address hearing aids that operate in either two modes – acoustic coupling (“M” rating) or inductive coupling (“T” rating). Hearing aids operating in Acoustic coupling mode receive through a microphone and then amplify all sounds surrounding the user, including both desired sounds, such as a telephone’s audio signal, and unwanted ambient noise.
  

• Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noise, instead using a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones.
  

• The FCC’s “M” and “T” ratings indicate whether a handset can be expected to function well with a hearing aid and are generally marked clearly on the handset packaging. The “M” or “T” rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise, so Simmetry Communications recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

2) Levels of Functionality

• Simmetry Wireless offers HAC-compatible handsets and devices in all major price categories, including low-cost (“C” <$120), moderate-cost (“B” level) ($121-$240), and high-end/feature-rich (“A” level) (>$241).
  

• Costs generally correlate with the number of features, but, if though experience, Simmetry Wireless finds that a certain handset contains features that work well with hearing aids, such as volume control, it will be labeled accordingly with an “A” level for functionality.
  

• Simmetry Wireless sales staff is trained to assist all existing and prospective customers looking for a HAC-compliant device/handset. HAC-compatible handsets and devices vary in their inherent “levels of functionality,” but typically at least one (1) HAC-compliant handset/device with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer’s price range.

To find out more information regarding Hearing Aid Compatibility please click here.