Customer Support: Consumer Information: Special Needs

Hearing Aid Compatibility

Digital wireless telephones sometimes cause interference because of electromagnetic energy emitted by the telephone’s antenna, backlight, or other components. To address this interference, the FCC has adopted specific hearing aid compatibility rules for digital wireless telephones. The standard for compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing aids is set forth in American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard C63.19.

Hearing aids operate in one of two modes – acoustic coupling or telecoil coupling. Thus, the ANSI standard C63.19 contains two sets of standards: an "M" rating from one to four for reduced radio frequency (RF) interference to enable acoustic coupling with hearing aids that do not operate in telecoil mode, and a "T" rating from one to four to enable inductive coupling with hearing aids operating in telecoil mode. A digital wireless handset is considered hearing aid-compatible for acoustic coupling if it meets an "M3" rating and for inductive coupling if it meets a "T3" rating.

Please be aware that some Cincinnati Bell Wireless mobile phones allow users to make voice calls over a wireless broadband internet connection (i.e. Wi-Fi) using what's known as Unlicensed Mobile Access or UMA technology. These phones are identified with "Yes w/ UMA" in the Wi-Fi interface column in the chart below. Please note that such phones have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies they use (i.e. GSM). However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in these phones that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids (i.e. Wi-Fi or UMA). It is important to try the different features of these phones to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult with the Cincinnati Bell service representative or the phone manufacturer for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, please consult with a Cincinnati Bell store representative.

Hearing Aid Compatible Mobile Phones

Cincinnati Bell Wireless has devised a good/better/best rating system to assist you in determining which CBW handset will best meet your needs. Handsets are separated into each category based on the following three criteria: 1) the HAC rating, as certified by the handset manufacturer, 2) available handset features (e.g. voice, camera phone, WiFi capability, etc.) and 3) the manufacturer's suggested retail price. It's best to try several models before buying to find the best match for use with your hearing aids. You are welcome to visit a Cincinnati Bell store to test a wireless handset with your hearing aid before making a purchase. Simply look for the M3 or T3 rating on the information card for each handset or ask a store representative to try devices that have been designated as "hearing aid compatible."