Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones
RF-RatingThis is a combination of M-rating and T-rating. Cell phones use radio frequency signals for the transmission and reception of sound. A combination of M-rating and T-rating is what defines the final RF rating and is the deciding factor in selecting the cell phone for people with hearing problems. A cell phone with M4/T4 rating is considered as the best option, as they are most compatible with the external hearing aids, as well as the ear phones, that come along with the cell phone. M3/T3, M4/T3 and M3/T4 are the other RF ratings that different cell phones may have.
However, using a cell phone with a high T-rating or M-rating is not the ultimate solution. For example, a cell phone with a T4 rating may reduce the RF interference but it has no control over the magnetic interference, caused by the cell phone battery or the display. In such cases, those hearing aids that do not give way to magnetic interferences, should be selected. Similarly, the cell phones that do not have their M-rating or T-rating mentioned in their manuals are not necessarily incompatible with hearing aid users.
When choosing a hearing aid compatible cell phone, test the cell phone at different locations before buying it. A cell phone with an M4/T4 rating may be considered as hearing aid compatible by maximum users but you may start encountering RF interference, when you are in an area with a bad network coverage. This happens because the cell phone then requires more power to connect to the tower. When shopping online, check out all the options before buying. Since in online shopping you do not have a direct access to the device, so the only option that is left for you is the M-rating and T-rating. A total rating of 6 or above, with the addition of M-rating and T-rating is best for hearing aid compatibility. <!-- From http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hearing-aid-compatible-cell-phones.html --> <!-- google_ad_section_end -->