Kyocera Hydro LIFE - Manual (Page 170)

Important Safety Information 161
Using Your Phone With a Hearing Aid Device
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 in finding
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 Hydro LIFE has an M3 and a T3 rating.
These ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user’s hearing
device and the individual’s 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.)
Note: This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the
wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be some newer wireless
technologies used in this phone that have not been tested yet for use with
hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of this phone thoroughly
and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to
determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult your service provider or the
manufacturer of this phone for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you
have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider
or phone retailer.
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: