Element Mobile-Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

The wireless industry experiences continuous improvements in the areas of new handsets, features and efficiency. To ensure that the deaf and hard of hearing can use new devices the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) to require more hearing aid compatible devices be made by manufacturers and offered by wireless carriers. Element Mobile complies with the FCC's hearing aid compatibility rules, which were designed to make mobile phones more accessible to persons with disabilities. The HAC ratings for Element Mobile's handsets are presented below, are listed on Element Mobile's website and are available at all points of sale.

What do HAC Ratings Mean for Wireless Devices?

Devices receive their HAC ratings based on two criteria: radio frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling. For a wireless device to be compliant with the FCC's hearing aid compatibility rule, the device must receive a minimum rating of M3 for RF emissions and T3 for telecoil coupling.

Acoustic coupling ("M" rating) refers to the RF emissions level of the device and means that the device is intended for use with hearing aids in microphone mode. Hearing aids operating in acoustic coupling mode receive through a microphone and then amplify all sounds surrounding the user, including both desired sounds, such as a telephone's audio signal, and unwanted ambient noise. The higher the "M" rating for a device makes it more likely the device can be used with a hearing aid on the microphone setting.

Inductive coupling ("T" rating) refers to the device's telecoil coupling ability and means that the device is intended for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode. The higher the "T" rating for a device makes it more likely the device can be used with a hearing aid on the telecoil setting. Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noise, instead using a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones. Using a device in telecoil mode allows the volume of the hearing aid to be turned up without creating feedback or "whistling," and background noises can be reduced. Talk to your health care professional to learn whether a hearing aid device contains a telecoil and how it can be activated.

The "M" or "T" rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise. Element Mobile recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

Functionality

In the table below, a functionality rating has been assigned to each phone to describe the level of functionality. The functionality rating is based on two factors: price and operating features. Typically, a device with a higher price will also be enriched with many features giving it the "best" level rating. Medium ranged phones will have a "better" level rating and have moderate rates of pricing and features. Devices with the fundamental features of a mobile device and lower prices will be in the "good" level rating for functionality. The functionality rating does not correspond to the HAC rating; the HAC rating is noted separately.

Element Mobile Devices

Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized, and each user will have a different experience. For these reasons we recommend visiting an Element Mobile store and invite you to try out the devices to find one that works best for you.

Below is a table reference for the HAC Rating and functionality level on Element Mobile handsets:

Note: Element Mobile handsets have varying degrees of HAC rating. It is important to test a phone to make sure that it is compatible with your hearing aid and meets your level of satisfaction.