Section 4A: Safety 142
Using Your Sprint PCS Phone With
a Hearing Aid Device
Your Sprint PCS Phone has been tested for hearing aid device compatibility. When some
wireless phones are used near some hearing devices (hearing aids and cochlear
implants), users may detect a buzzing, humming, or whining noise. Some hearing
devices are more immune than others to this interference noise, and phones also vary in
the amount of interference they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed ratings for some of their mobile phones,
to assist hearing device users in finding phones that may be compatible with their
hearing devices. Not all phones have been rated. Phones that have been rated will have
an “M3”or “M4”rating on the box. Your SCP-200 by Sanyo has an M3 rating.
Note: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and may generate less interference to hearing
devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
The M3/M4 ratings do not guarantee successful interoperation between your phone
and hearing aid device. Results will vary depending on the level of immunity of your
hearing device and degree of your hearing loss.
The more immune your hearing aid device is, the less likely you are to experience
interference noise from your wireless phone. Hearing aid devices should have ratings
similar to phones. Ask your hearing healthcare professional for the rating of your aids.
Most new hearing aids have at least an M2 immunity level. Add the “M”ratings of your
hearing aid and your phone to determine probable usability:
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Any combined rating equal to or greater than six offers best use.
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Any combined rating equal to five is considered normal use.
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Any combined rating equal to four is considered usable.
Thus, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M3 phone, you will have a combined rating
of six for “best use.”
Sprint further suggests you experiment with multiple phones (even those not labeled
M3 or M4) while in the store to find the one that works best with your hearing aid
device. Should you experience interference after purchasing your phone, promptly
return it to the store. With the Sprint 14-day Risk-Free Guarantee you may return the
phone within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
