The Federal Commission of Communications(FCC) has adopted hearing aid capability (HAC) regulations for digital wireless phones.
Nowadays, most iPhone devices support a broad range of hearing devices under the FCC requirements for HAC.
With several iPhone models in the market right now, you can have Made for iPhone hearing aids to aid your hearing impairment.
What Do HAC Ratings Mean?
The FCC rules on hearing devices require certain phones to be tested and graded to C63.19 requirements for hearing aid compatibility. This is done to comply with the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
There are two sorts of ratings in the ANSI standard for hearing aid compatibility:
- M: Reduced interference from radio-frequency to allow acoustic coupling with telecoil-frequency hearing aids
- T: For inductive coupling with hearing devices that are operated in telecoil mode.
These ratings are from one to four, with four being the most compatible and one being the least.
If a phone is rated M3 and M4 for acoustic coupling and T3 or T4 for inductive coupling, a hearing aid is considered to be compatible under the FCC criteria.
Although these ratings are not a complete guarantee, hearing aid compatibility ratings do not ensure the proper functioning of a certain hearing aid with a particular phone.
Some hearing aids could work effectively with smartphones that don’t even comply with the FCC compatibility criteria.
Therefore, it’s essential that before you purchase entirely based on the FCC ratings, you should always check whether your hearing devices are working well with your smartphone.
Hearing Device Compatibility and Wireless Technologies
Each HAC-certified iPhone has been examined and rated for its compatibility with hearing devices.
However, there are a few latest wireless technologies used in these phones that are not yet adequately tested. Hence, it is difficult to gauge whether they are compatible with hearing devices or not.
So, consult with your phone manufacturer or service provider to get authentic information on the hearing aid compatibility with your smartphone.
Get the Best Experience With the Best Hearing Aids
Cell phones contain radio transmitters which could interfere with the performance of hearing aids.
Always make sure to use and test them before you make a purchase. This will allow you to know to check whether your hearing aid is functioning properly with your smartphone.
Here are some guidelines for ensuring the greatest possible experience if you currently have an iPhone and a pair of hearing aids.
In “M” or Acoustic Coupling mode, iPhone and hearing aids usually operate well together. In this mode, ensure your hearing device is set to “M” or “Acoustic Coupling.” Put the iPhone receiver near the built-in microphone of the auditory aid (or microphones).
After that, hold your iPhone against your head. That is, keep your phone naturally positioned, just as if you are making a phone call. The listener receives sounds via its built-in microphones from the iPhone.
Activate Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) if you have an iPhone 4 (GSM model) (Try using your hearing aid in “T” or telecoil connecting mode if the Acoustic Coupling or “M” mode doesn’t provide a good outcome).
Although not all the iPhone versions have the “T” mode, always inquire about your service provider about the availability of the “T” mode in your iPhone.
Activating Hearing Aid Compatibility
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices to activate Hearing Aid Compatibility for iOS 13 or newer iPhones.
You can even activate Hearing Aid Mode if you have an iPhone 6 or older version. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility to activate Hearing Aid mode. Hearing Aid Mode limits cellular radio transmission power in the 1900 MHz GSM band, leading to a decrease in 2G cellular coverage.
You should also download hearing aid applications that suit your hearing needs.
Made for iPhone Hearing Devices
Apple has been developing hearing devices by the top manufacturers specifically designed for iPhones.
These hearing devices provide a powerful, high-quality digital audio experience and allow you to manage your hearing aid from your iPhone. Moreover, Live Listen is also available in Made for iPhone hearing aids.
You will need an iPhone 4s or later with iOS 7 or the latest to use these hearing devices.
Some hearing aid producers even provide unique “bridge” hearing device accessories that can receive audio from Bluetooth and then retransmit it using wireless audio-streaming technologies already built into some advanced hearing devices.
Bottom Line
Hearing aids are essential for people who suffer from hearing impairments, and having Bluetooth hearing devices compatible with their iPhones can make their regular hearing more interesting.
This is because they don’t have to rely on headphones to listen to music or live streams. Instead, they can have their hearing aids connected and enjoy music or live streams.
Although, it’s suggested that you first consult your provider and check whether your hearing devices support your smartphone’s Bluetooth connectivity.
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