236 Section 4A: ImportantSafety Information
Using Your Phone With a Hearing Aid Device
A number of Sprint Nextel phones have been tested for hearing aid device
compatibility. When some wireless phones are used with certain hearing devices
(including hearing aids and cochlear implants), users may detect a noise which
can interfere with the effectiveness of the hearing device.
Some hearing devices are more immune than others to this interference noise,
and phones also vary in the amount of interference noise they may generate.
ANSI standard C63.19 was developed to provide a standardized means of
measuring both wireless phone and hearing devices to determine usability rating
categories for both.
Ratings have been developed for mobile phones to assist hearing device users find
phones that may be compatible with their hearing device. Not all phones have
been rated for compatibility with hearing devices. Phones that have been rated
have a label located on the box.
Your SCP-7050 by SANYO has M4 and T4 ratings.
These ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user’s
hearing device and individual type and degree of hearing loss. If a hearing device
is particularly vulnerable to interference noise; even a phone with a higher rating
may still cause unacceptable noise levels in the hearing device. Trying out the
phone with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for your personal
needs.
M-Ratings:Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements for hearing aid
compatibility and are likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than
unrated phones. (M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.)
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more
usable with a hearing device’s telecoil (“T Switch”or “Telephone Switch”) than
unrated phones. (T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. Note that not all
hearing devices have telecoils in them.)
Hearing aid devices may also be measured for immunity to interference noise
from wireless phones and should have ratings similar to phones. Ask your hearing
healthcare professional for the rating of your hearing aid. Add the rating of your
hearing aid and your phone to determine probable usability:
ⅷ
Any combined rating equal to or greater than six offers excellentuse.
ⅷ
Any combined rating equal to five is considered normal use.
ⅷ
Any combined rating equal to four is considered usable.
Thus, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M3 phone, you will have a combined
rating of six for “excellent use.”This is synonymous for T ratings.
Sprint Nextel further suggests you experiment with multiple phones (even those
not labeled M3/T3 or M4/T4) while in the store to find the one that works best
with your hearing aid device. Should you experience interference or find the
quality of service unsatisfactory after purchasing your phone, promptly return it
to the store within 30 days of purchase. With the Sprint 30-day Risk-Free
Guarantee, you may return the phone within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
More information about hearing aid compatibility may be found at:
www.f cc.gov, www.fda.gov, and www.accesswir eless.or g.
