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| SMU Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) |
Spencer Municipal Utilities through i wireless offers a variety of hearing aid compatible phones for those with hearing disabilities. Some mobile phones may detect a buzzing, humming, or whining noise when near hearing devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants. Some hearing devices are more immune than others to this interference, and wireless phones also vary in the amount of interference they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed ratings to assist hearing device users in finding wireless devices that may be compatible with their hearing devices. Not all wireless phones have been rated. Those that are rated will have the rating displayed on the box.
The ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user’s hearing device and hearing loss. If your hearing device is vulnerable to interference you may not be able to use a rated wireless phone successfully. It is recommended that you try the phone with your hearing device to determine if it will work for you and your hearing aid.
Here is a brief explanation of the ratings:
M-Ratings: Wireless phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference than non-labeled wireless phones. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
T-Ratings: Wireless phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference with a hearing device’s telecoil (“T Switch” or “Telephone Switch”) than non-labeled wireless phones. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them.
Most phones that are rated T3 also have a M3 rating. Similarly, most phones rated T4 also have a M4 rating.
i wireless rated phones available at SMU include:
Basic handsets – Entry level handsets that are offered for low cost or free.
Samsung t219 HAC M3/T3
Motorola Razr V3 HAC M3/T3
Featured handsets – Handsets with more advanced capabilities.
Motorola Murano HAC M3/T3
Samsung Strike HAC M3/T3
Alcatel 808A HAC M3/T3
Alcatel 880A HAC M3/T3
Nokia 2720 HAC M3/T3
Smartphones/PDAs – Handsets that run complete operating system software as a platform for application developers.
BlackBerry® 8310 Curve HAC M3/T3
BlackBerry® 8900 HAC M3/T3
BlackBerry® 9700 HAC M3/T3
Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to this type of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional may help find results for our hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you’ll experience interference noise from wireless phones.
Most new digital hearing aids use radiofrequency (RF) immune components and are thus more immune to interference. They are designed to be usable with wireless devices with lower RF emissions and magnetic coupling ability.
If you try out a phone and it doesn’t work well with your hearing device, be sure to understand the return policy (posted in the SMU lobby & online) as well as early termination fees before signing up for service as a phone may work differently with your hearing device depending on your location.
If you are unable to find a phone that works with your hearing aid device, check with your hearing healthcare professional to determine if there is a better option for you. Some users find other accessories such as neckloops to further assist their wireless device in working for them.
For more information on i wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility please visit the following link http://iwireless.com/customer_support-hearing_aid.asp
Relay Iowa/TTY
Relay Iowa is a telecommunications relay service administrated by the Iowa Utilities Board to provide full telephone access to people who are deaf, heard-of-hearing or speech impaired. Specially trained Communication Assistants process relay calls and stay on the line to relay conversations electronically, over a Text Telephone (TTY) or verbally to hearing parties. Relay Iowa is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without a limit on the number or length of calls. Both TTY and voice users may initiate calls through Relay Iowa. Relay Iowa can be reached on your i wireless phone by dialing 7-1-1. All general use handsets from i wireless are TTY-compatible.
Communications Via Text
Text messaging (short message service, or SMS), multimedia messaging (MMS) and e-mail are included with, or can be added to, all i wireless plans as POWERsupplize. Please visit the i wireless Web site for more information. All general use handsets currently offered by i wireless are SMS and MMS compatible.
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If you, a SMU customer, feel that you have processed a payment in error, please contact our customer service at 712-580-5800 or email us to request a refund.
