The Wireless Industry: What's Available? What's Right for You?

By Bonnie O'Leary

August 2009

Editor: It's that time of year again! The start of Hearing Loss Convention Season! As is normally the case, HLAA kicks off the activity in June. Char and I didn't attend this year, but super reporters extraordinaire Cheryl Heppner and Bonnie O'Leary from NVRC will be providing detailed coverage of the activities.

More coverage of this great convention is at: http://www.hearinglossweb.com/res/hlorg/shhh/cn/2009/2009.htm

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It was standing room only at this presentation. Steve Coston of Sony Ericsson moderated the program in the absence of Matthew Gerst of CTIA, whose flight was delayed.

CTIA is an international nonprofit membership organization representing all sectors of wireless communications, including service providers, manufacturers, and wireless data and internet companies. CTIA's research shows that there are more than 150 wireless companies serving more than 270 million subscribers in the US. Subscribers used 2.2 trillion minutes in 2008, and sent 1 trillion text messages. Moreover, wireless companies have invested more than $20.1 billion combined in their networks in 2008 and over $200 billion over the past 10 years.

A study conducted by Pew Internet and American Life Project shows that 42% of Americans who have cell phones or PDAs use their wireless devices every day for at least one of the following: send or receive text messages, take a picture, play a game, send or receive email, access internet for information, record a video, play music, send or receive instant messages, get a map, or watch a video. Seventy seven percent of Americans who have cell phones or PDAs have done at least one of the above at any point at all during the ownership of their devices.

CTIA and its member companies believe that all consumers should have equal access to wireless communications. More than 80% of people with disabilities use wireless devices for communication, safety, directions, or appointments. To get information about selecting the best wireless device for your disability, check out www.AccessWireless.org where you will also find answers to questions about what the wireless industry is doing to better meet your needs.

Susan Mazrui of AT&T talked briefly about a video that was supposed to be shown, but technical glitches got in the way. It was a video showing how AT&T trains its personnel to help customers with disabilities and how a customer with a hearing loss should ask for information related to hearing loss in the store.

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Standards

Steve and Susan addressed the issue of Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC). Sony Ericsson has been working on Radio Frequency and T-Coil compatibility, creating improved signal-to-noise ratios. Hearing aid ratings are labeled M-3, M-4. T-Coil ratings are labeled T-3, T-4. The higher the rating, the better the compatibility. The FCC requires certain cell phones to be rated for HAC over the next few years. The FDA, however, has made no corresponding rule for hearing aids. Instead manufacturers are encouraged to ensure harmony between the telephone and the hearing aid.

In 2007, the American National Standards Institute created C63.19 - Measurement of Compatibility Between Wireless Devices and Hearing Aids. This includes:
- M-rating - the potential of a phone and a hearing aid to work well with the other device when in hearing aid microphone mode
- T-rating - the potential of a phone and a hearing aid to work well with the other device when in hearing aid telecoil mode
Check the box when you purchase your device for "Rated for Hearing Aids" information. M3 and T3 are the minimum ratings for FCC compliance.

Wireless service providers must offer customers a range of HAC models with different levels of operating capabilities, features, frequency bands, and prices. Also, the wireless industry offers a variety of accessible features on wireless devices, with service plans that make wireless more affordable for individuals with disabilities. Sony Ericsson reports on product availability on the FCC's website, showing which phones are hearing aid compatible so consumers can choose.

Steve pointed out that HAC standards are in revision again, with more changes to come in the future. This is because the industry can't develop a new standard until after an application or new product is ready. One leads the other. Right now, some applications are not entirely HAC, such as gaming, music, conference calling, and multimedia. Specific developmental issues in telephone technology can influence whether the electronics will work well, especially as improvements evolve. New technologies can be very complex.

Considerations for Consumers with Hearing Loss

First, ensure that you get all the details about coverage; service plans (voice, text, data/internet); discounts for people with disabilities; handset options such as keyboard, touch screen, flip vs. bar style, colors.

Before heading to the store to buy your device, contact your audiologist to find out if your hearing aid device is compatible with mobile phone use. If possible, know the immunity rating of your hearing aid. Research wireless service plans and coverage maps on line. Review handset options online also, products with HAC M and T ratings, Bluetooth. Identify company-owned and operated stores in your area; these can usually be found on company websites. When you get to the store, there should be devices available to test. Read the contract. Be sure you understand restocking fees and the policy for waiving these fees in the case of HAC issues.

Once you've signed up for service, use the device in as many locations as needed. Test the device features and functions such as WiFi, Internet or other services which are important for you. If you have to return the product, do so while in the return period. Take the device to the place of purchase and mention HAC issues when you return it.

Here are some web links for more information:
http://accesswireless.org/hearingaid/hac_video.cfm
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/hac_wireless.html
http://www.phonescoop.com
www.hearingloss.org

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