Device Accessibility

Cellcom offers hearing aid compatible (HAC) handsets and devices in all major price categories. Costs generally correlate with the number of features, but, if through experience, Cellcom finds that a certain handset contains features that work well with hearing aids, such as volume control, it will be labeled accordingly at the "high-end/feature-rich" level for functionality. Cellcom's sales staff is trained to assist all existing and prospective customers looking for a HAC-compliant device/handset. HAC handsets and devices vary in their inherent "levels of functionality", but typically at least one (1) HAC-compliant handset/device with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer's price range.

The hearing aid compatible wireless devices offered by Cellcom meet either the 2011 ANSI Standard or the 2019 ANSI Standard.

• 2011 ANSI Standard uses an M/T rating system to categorize a device’s ability to operate near a hearing aid without causing interference. To be considered compatible, the devices need to rate an M3/M4 and T3/T4. Devices will not be listed as compatible if they do not meet this rating. See below for additional details on these categorizations.
• 2019 ANSI Standard does not have M or T ratings. Devices that meet this standard are simply labelled as Hearing Aid Compatible or HAC, which means they will operate at the equivalent of the M3/T3 rating or better. Devices that meet the 2019 ANSI Standard also include volume control capabilities and this information will be reflected in the rating.

You can review the HAC rating below or on each device page.

Basic Phone

Basic phones are phones that allow users to perform basic functions such as make and receive calls and send and receive text messages. Some basic phones can also web browse, email and may have a basic camera (1 to 2 mega pixels). Basic phones work mostly on 4G networks.

Smartphone

Smartphones are phones that are powered by operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, etc. A smartphone allows users to perform a variety of functions: voice, messaging, web browsing, email, video, camera, application downloads, and more. They operate on 4G and 5G networks.

What does "M" mean?

"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.

What does "T" mean?

"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 Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Devices

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, so Cellcom recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

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

For more information about the wireless HAC rules and service provider obligations, visit www.fcc.gov/general/hearing-aid-compatibility-hac.

Last updated: 1/17/2023

What is RTT?

Real-time text – or RTT – is a technology that allows text to be sent immediately as it is created through wireless handsets that use IP-based technology on networks that support RTT. With RTT, there is no need to press a “send” key as there generally is for SMS, chat, or other types of texting. A recipient can read a message while the sender types it. Instant text transmissions are similar to the instantaneous exchange of information in voice conversations over the phone, and can be critical for emergency calls to 911.

Advantages to RTT - In addition to improving accessible emergency communications, RTT has several advantages over TTY:

• RTT can eliminate the need to purchase specialized devices, such as TTYs, to send text in real time over wireless phones.
• Calls using RTT can be initiated and received using the same ten-digit numbers used for voice calls.
• Both parties to an RTT call can send and receive text in real time at the same time, unlike TTYs, which requires turn-taking.
• RTT is more reliable than TTY technology over IP networks – this means there will be less garbling and fewer drop-offs on calls.
• RTT provides callers with more characters for typing than TTYs do. For example, with RTT, you can use the “@” key, alphabets in multiple languages, and emojis, allowing conversations using the full “international character set.”
• Both RTT and voice can be used, either at the same time or interchangeably, during the same call.

What is TTY?

Text telephone devices or TTY’s are used by people with hearing or speech disabilities to send and receive text messages over telephone networks. TTY devices communicate through a TTY-compatible wireless handset using a cable or Bluetooth which sends tones over a telephone network to another individual with a TTY device which decodes the tones back into characters. Newer IP-connected networks are unable to accurately transmit these tones to be translated back into characters. New IP-Connected networks such as VoIP or VoLTE(Advanced Calling) networks instead utilize RTT(Real-time Text) to transmit characters from one device to another.

What is Text-to-911?

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.

How to contact 911

If you use a wireless phone or other type of mobile device, make sure to do the following in an emergency:

• Always contact 911 by making a voice call, if you can.
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, and text-to-911 is not available, use a TTY or a telecommunications relay service, if possible.
• MMS (Picture Messages) to 911 is not supported. Be sure to send messages less than 160 characters and do not include any pictures or graphics. Including pictures or graphics will cause your message to not be delivered to the 911 center.

Bounce-back messages

If you attempt to send a text to 911 where the service is not yet available, FCC rules require all wireless carriers and other text messaging providers to send an automatic "bounce-back" message that will advise you to contact emergency services by another means, such as making a voice call or using telecommunications relay service. Bounce-back messages are intended to minimize your risk of mistakenly believing that a text to 911 has been transmitted to an emergency call center when it has not.

What is Text-to-988?

Calling or texting 988 will connect individuals to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. Counselors will listen, provide support, and connect individuals to additional resources if necessary.

• Texting does not support multimedia messages (MMS), including pictures and videos. Including these items will cause message failure. Users should only include text in the body of their text messages to 988. Some devices convert messages longer than 160 characters to MMS, which could also cause the message to fail.
• There is no charge to utilize this service, however the device needs to have an active plan and will not work on a disconnected cell phone.
• This is a nationwide number that will work regardless of your provider.
• The toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK remains available in addition to the short dial code.

Share this short-dial number with your family, friends and networks to help increase awareness about this resource and help make 988 as memorable as 911 for people in need of critical suicide prevention and mental health support.

For more about the Lifeline, people can visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.