On August 14, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules that require wireless manufacturers and service providers to provide digital wireless phones that are hearing aid-compatible.
The standard for compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing aids is set forth in American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard C63.19. ANSI C63.19 contains two sets of standards: an "M" rating from M1 to M4 for reduced radio frequency (RF) interference to enable acoustic coupling with hearing aids that do not operate in t-coil mode, and a "T" rating from T1 to T4 to enable inductive coupling with hearing aids operating in t-coil mode. A digital wireless handset is considered hearing aid-compatible for acoustic coupling if it meets an "M3" rating under the ANSI standard. A digital wireless handset is considered hearing aid-compatible for inductive coupling if it meets a "T3" rating under the ANSI standard.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference with hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing device?s t-coil than unrated phones. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
These ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary, depending on the level of immunity of your hearing device and the degree of your hearing loss. If your hearing device happens to be vulnerable to interference, you may not be able to use a rated phone successfully. Trying out the phone with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for your personal needs.
Below is a list of Palm Phones that are hearing aid-compatible:
| Model |
HAC rating |
Air-Interface |
| Pre3 |
M3/T4 |
CDMA/GSM/WCDMA |
| Pre3 |
M3/T4 |
GSM/WCDMA |
| Pre2 |
M4 |
CDMA |
| Pixi Plus |
M3/T3 |
GSM
WCDMA |
| Pixi Plus |
M4/T4 |
CDMA |
| Pixi |
M4/T4 |
CDMA |
| Pre Plus |
M4 |
CDMA |
| Pre |
M4 |
CDMA |
| Treo Pro |
M3/T3 |
CDMA |
| Treo 800w |
M4/T4 |
CDMA |
| Centro |
M4/T4 |
CDMA |
| Treo 755p |
M3/T3 |
CDMA |
| Treo 700w |
M3 |
CDMA |
| Treo 700p |
M3 |
CDMA |
| Treo 650 |
M3 |
CDMA |
Note: These phones 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 this phone for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.
