Hearing Aid Compatibility

From time to time, Lycamobile offers handsets for sale or as part of promotional offers. These devices range in HAC-compatibility and vary in their inherent levels of functionality. The following devices have been recently offered through Lycamobile:

HAC compliant handsets have M and T ratings. "M" refers to using the phone with a hearing aid in the microphone setting. The higher the "M" rating, the more likely it is you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the microphone setting. A M3 rating indicates the handset has satisfied the ANSI standard. A M4 rating indicates the handset has exceeded the ANSI standard. "T" refers to using the hearing aid set on telecoil. The higher the "T" number the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the telecoil setting. Reduced feedback and reduced background noise are additional benefits of using a hearing aid set on telecoil during phone use. Once mobile phones are rated for telecoil use, to determine the likelihood of successful cell phone use with your hearing aid add the "T" rating number of the cell phone to the "T" rating number of your hearing aid. A T3 rating indicates the handset has satisfied the ANSI standard. A T4 rating indicates the handset has exceeded the ANSI standard.

These handsets have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that they use. 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 the handset for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.

Hearing aids do not always function well with wireless handsets. Hearing aids operate by using a microphone to pick up sound waves, converting the sound waves into electrical signals to be amplified. Distortion or amplification of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs. The FCC's hearing aid compatibility requirements address hearing aids that operate in either of two modes – acoustic coupling ("M" rating) or inductive coupling ("T" rating). 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. 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. The FCC's "M" and "T" ratings indicate whether a handset can be expected to function well with a hearing aid and are generally marked clearly on the handset packaging. The "M" or "T" rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise.

For more details on Hearing Aid Compatibility and non-Hearing Aid Compatibility devices, visit.

For more information about the wireless HAC rules and service provider obligations, visit.

Last updated: January 19, 2021