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What are the biggest difficulties deaf or HOH people face nowadays?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Mar 20, 2021 | Replies (68)Comment receiving replies
@catladyde9
Hi,
Cell phones don’t have tcoils ...hearing aids do . I think you meant what basic flip phones will work with the tcoils in your hearing aids. All cell phones should have a M3 or better an M4 rating to be compatible with the tcoils in your aids. T-Mobile has some flip phones that are basic but also have some smartphone features and some cheap plans. Alcatel my flip has an m4 rating. Nokia and Kyocera are fairly basic. You will have to do some research on the tcoil rating modes of these “basic” flip phones. I can guarantee you that most people who work for the carriers won’t know what a m3 or m4 rating means.
You may be able to find a really basic flip but it may not work for you because it doesn’t have a tcoil mode. You may have to settle for a step up from the basic flip but not actually a full smartphone.
And that’s about what aI know. We have some tech savvy people here who can help.
FL Mary
Replies to "@catladyde9 Hi, Cell phones don’t have tcoils ...hearing aids do . I think you meant what..."
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@imallears, I would like to clarify your response to @catladyde9. Cell phones have both an M and a T rating. M stands for Microphone compatibility and T stands for Telecoil compatibility. The values go from 1 - 4, with the higher number being the most compatible. Yes, we need to choose a phone that has at least an M3/T3 rating. An M4/T4 is ideal, but I am happy with my M3/T3 iPhone. You may not even find an M4/T4. Surprising, probably due to the advocacy efforts of HLAA members, the sales folks in the the phone carrier stores have become more aware. The M/T ratings are advertised more. If you do not see the M/T rating listed on the packaging or display kiosk, ask the sales person. They may have to go in the "back room" to find the answer, but you need to request this information. If it's not available, then do not buy that product (and tell them why) and consider yourself an advocate for others with hearing loss. Cell phone manufacturers are required by law to have a certain percent of their products accessible.
Tony in Michigan