Hearing Aid Compatible - Treo Forums

treythompson · 02-08-2006, 09:30 AM

Just curious, but my uncle is interested in a Treo 700. Now, I know they have the standard 2.5mm headset jack like almost all phones these days, but is there a hearing aid "loop" for the 2.5mm jack? It's an induction neck loop I think. So that the sound can be transmitted to his hearing aids...

rbk10 · 02-08-2006, 11:40 PM

C & P

Accessibility

Hearing-Aid Compatibility with Wireless Handset Devices
In general, a hearing aid operates by using a microphone to pick up sound waves in the air and convert the sound waves to electrical signals. The signals are then amplified as needed and converted back to audible sounds for the user to hear. The hearing aid's microphone, however, does not always work well in conjunction with audio devices like headsets and telephone handsets. The acoustic connection made between the audio device and the hearing aid is poor and creates distortions in the sound. In addition, the surrounding noise in the area of the user is often picked up by the hearing aid and interferes with the desired audio.
Handsets Meeting ANSI Standard
As of September 16, 2005 Verizon Wireless will include in it's line up of wireless handsets at least 4 or 25% of it's handsets that will meet or exceed the ANSI (American National's Standard Institute) hearing aid compatibility standard. Handsets that receive a hearing aid compatibility rating of M3 or M4 have met or surpassed the ANSI hearing aid compatibility standard as adopted by the Federal Communications Commission.

M3-rating indicates the handset has satisfied the ANSI standard
M4-rating indicates the handset has exceeded the ANSI standard

The higher the M-rating the handset has the lower the Radio Frequency emissions level and higher signal quality the handset will have. If there is no M-rating then the handset does not meet the ANSI standard. The handset's M-rating along with a hearing aid's M-rating will assist customers in finding a handset that will work best for them. The hearing ais must be in microphone mode in order to replicate the mode that was used with the handset in order to achieve the rating.
Rating information for handsets can be found on their description card at your local Verizon Wireless store and on the online store. The M-rating will also be on the outside of the box of the handset along with a brief description of what the M-rating means, that information will be inside the box.
Some Common questions:
1) Will handsets that are labeled "hearing aid compatible" have any interference that may cause static buzzing sounds?
It depends on the level of immunity in the hearing aids and the level of resuced emissions from the digital wireless handset. The interference comes from both magnetic and RF (radio frequency) pulses generated by digital wireless handset. There is no guarantee that handset labeled "hearing aid compatible" will definitely work for you, but they should improve usability for hearing aide users.

2) How will I know if a handset is HAC (hearing aid compatible) compliant?
The product description cards in the Verizon Wireless stores will have the rating marked on the card for the consumer to see as well as the product descriptions on our online store. If the device meets either a M3 or M4 rating it will be on the description card or online description list. The M-ratings refer to the lower RF emissions levels.

3) How do I know if my hearing aid works with a handset?
Ask your hearing aid healthcare professional if your hearing aids have "cell phone shielding", for the "M" (microphone) rating of your hearing aids, or if the circuitry design is more immune to interference. This information along with the M rating will be useful to you.

4) May I try the handset before I buy it?
Yes, it is best to try several handsets before you buy to find the best match with your hearing aids. All Verizon Wireless stores will have M rated handsets available for you to try in the store. You will be able to place a call to our customer service department so you can determine if you can hear well on that model handset.

5) Will a non-rated device work with hearing aids?
A non-rated handset may work with hearing aids. A lack of a rating does not mean a device will not work with a hearing aid. You are encouraged to test all handsets in the stores prior to buying. Please remember that everyone's hearing loss is different and what works for one person may not work for another.

6) Is a HAC-compliant phone more expensive than a phone without a rating?
No, there is no additional cost to the device.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/a...italPhones.jsp

treythompson · 02-08-2006, 11:51 PM

Thanks for the info.

Does anyone know where to find the induction loops, and see if one can be used on the Treo?

Iproff · 03-24-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treythompson

Just curious, but my uncle is interested in a Treo 700. Now, I know they have the standard 2.5mm headset jack like almost all phones these days, but is there a hearing aid "loop" for the 2.5mm jack? It's an induction neck loop I think. So that the sound can be transmitted to his hearing aids...

The short answer is yes. I have one made by Phonak. Your hearing aids do need a T-coil and they will work on the FM/ FM+M. Phonak also has a blue tooth adapter that links it all together. I have this system and they work great with my Treo, PC, VOIP and I can plug direct to a TV, Radio or any audio output and wander around the house with no wires. I will tell you it's not cheap.

Ken