Hearing Aid Compatibility

Bluegrass Cellular offers many devices that are Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) for the hearing impaired.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for wireless devices in terms of radio-frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling. Cell phones are tested to see if they comply with the FCC's definition of hearing aid compatibility.

M Rating

M refers to the RF emissions level of the handset device and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in microphone mode. The higher the "M" rating number on the device, the more likely the device can be used with a hearing aid on the microphone setting.

T Rating

T refers to the device's telecoil coupling ability and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode. The higher the "T" rating number on the device, the more likely the device can be used with a hearing aid on the telecoil setting. A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. To use the telecoil, generally either the hearing aid is switched to the "T" position or a button on the hearing aid is pushed to select the telecoil program. Some newer hearing aids will automatically switch to telecoil mode when using a phone. The telecoil picks up magnetic fields generated by telephones and converts these fields into sound. Telecoils are particularly useful for telephone communication because they permit the volume control of a hearing aid to be turned up without creating feedback or "whistling," and background noise can be reduced especially when using cell phones in noisy places. A hearing health professional can determine whether a hearing aid contains a telecoil and how it is activated.

The above information was taken from the CTIA's website. For more information and for downloadable brochures, please visit this site.

Explanation of methodology for determining levels of functionality (e.g. operating capabilities, features, prices) for compliant handsets:

Bluegrass Cellular offers a variety of HAC phone models to meet the needs of wireless users with hearing disabilities. The mobile units are presented here by category of price.

Bluegrass Cellular offers two types of mobile devices called "smartphone" or "basic phone".

Smartphone Tier

The smartphones are a class of phones that have greater internet and web browsing over a mobile data network. Smartphones provide multimedia functionality such as music, games, cameras, and video in addition to talk and text. Smartphones have highly advanced hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems.

Basic Tier

Basic phones offer minimal wireless telephone features. These lower priced devices may have basic multimedia capabilities and lack advanced hardware or software. Some may not have a camera, Bluetooth or Internet access capability and generally lack such features as MP3 players and expandable memory. These types of phones usually feature utilitarian designs suitable for customers using voice/text only.

A listing of Bluegrass Cellular's HAC handsets by current and recently offered models can be found in the table below.

RTT

 Real-Time Text (RTT) is an alternate way of meeting the communication needs of consumers with disabilities. It delivers an alternative to traditional voice conversation by providing a more instant text transmission and delivery of a message instantly as it is being composed or created.  Recipients can immediately read the message while it is being written, without delay.

TTY

A Teletypewriter (TTY) is a device that helps people who are deaf, speech impaired, or hard of hearing use a phone to communicate.  Many mobile phones have a TTY mode which allows it to function as a TTY device.   Your phone may have a built-in TTY software, allow you to connect the phone to an external TTY device, or both.

* These phones have 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 these phones that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of these phones 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 these phones for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.

For more information about hearing aid compatibility go to https://www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones.

For a more extensive list of HAC devices go to Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative https://gari.info/.

Updated: 01.28.21