Hearing Aid Compatibility

About Hearing Aid Compatibility

As wireless handsets move from analog to digital services, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing has become a concern. Digital technology means more features and improved performance—but some digital phones can cause distortion or noise for hearing aid users because of radio frequency (acoustical) interference or telecoil electromechanical (inductive) interference. Hearing aids that operate in an acoustic coupling mode receive and amplify all sound through a microphone, both desired and unwanted. Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying ambient noise, and use a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones.

To make sure the deaf and hard of hearing can use digital wireless devices, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (“HAC Act”), passing regulations to increase the number of hearing aid-compatible wireless devices. The FCC’s hearing aid compatibility requirements address devices that operate either through acoustic coupling (with an “M” rating) or through inductive coupling (with a “T” rating). A “3” rating (either M3 or T3) indicates that the device has satisfied the 2011 American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”) standard, and a “4” rating indicates that the device exceeds 2011 ANSI standards. Although the “M” and “T” ratings are clearly marked on handset packaging, the rating doesn’t guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise. Mobius Communications therefore recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

Mobius Communications strives to ensure accessibility for all individuals, including deaf and hard of hearing consumers. Please, contact our office at (308) 487-5500 or toll free at (877) 266-2487 with questions on hearing aid compatibility. Additional information on hearing aid compatibility is also available for consumers at https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireline-and-wireless-telephones.

Cell Phone Handset Listing

Basic handsets are entry-level phones with straight-forward features, designs and applications.

Advanced handsets are phones with higher-end designs having more modern user functions and options.

*Mobius Communications currently offers the following hearing- aid-compatible handsets. These phones all meet the FCC’s 2011 ANSI “M” and “T” rating standards.

ADVANCED

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max:

This is the larger version of the iPhone 15 Pro.  It has an upgraded telephoto camera with 5x zoom and a larger battery and display.  Other features include: A17 Pro chip, professional video features, MagSafe fast wireless charging, and a waterproof body.

Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3:

This Android phone is extra-rugged and waterproof, making it ideal for business and field workers.  It carries military durability, IP68 and Haz-Loc ratings. Other features include:  dual 16-megapixel cameras, Wi-Fi 6E, wireless charging, a side fingerprint reader and expandable storage.

Apple iPhone 15:

This upgrade to the iPhone 14 offers a brighter display, and a 48 megapixel camera with 2x zoom.  Additional features include MagSafe fast wireless charging, a waterproof body, and a 3D face-scanning security.

Apple iPhone 12:

This standard iPhone design has a 6.1-inch display in a smaller, lighter body.  It has an upgraded processor from previous models and upgrades to the processor, display quality, and camera lens.  Other features include a 3D face-scanning security and a waterproof glass and aluminum body.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G:

This Android phone is an update to the A53 handset.  Key features of this model include a 50-megapixel camera, wide camera, water resistance, expandable storage, 25W fast charging and stereo speakers.

BASIC

Kyocera Dura XV Extreme:

This model is rugged and washable.  It features a larger battery, WiFi, web browser with VPN support, email, updated processor, offline GPS, voice control, and Bluetooth.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G:

This model features a sharper display and better front camera than the previous A13 5G model.  Other features of this affordable phone include large battery, expandable storage, fast charging and a fingerprint reader.

TCL Flip Pro:

This Basic Phone has a modern USB-C connector, Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps, a memory card slot, headset jack, 2-megapixel camera and WiFi.

Hearing Aid Compatibility

Advanced