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Pine Cellular and Hearing Aid Compatibility
The following information is provided to help our hearing-impaired customers select a cell phone. Please stop by our offices for more information
A hearing-aid user has a number of features to choose from when purchasing a cellular phone and wireless plan. Some key features that might be helpful:
- Vibrating alert for incoming calls and messages. Most cellular phones have this feature, but ask our representatives to demonstrate if you're not sure.
- Different ring tones may be useful, and are easily selectable on most phones.
- Short Message Service, or text, is available on all of our cellular phones, with an appropriate service plan. Ask for a demonstration to see if this service would be right for you.
- M rating and T rating. Hearing-aid compatible phones are rated according to their capabilities. This rating indicates the level of possible interference between the cellular phone and the hearing-aid device. Most of the HAC phones that Pine offers, for instance, are M3/T3. A "T" rating means the wireless phone is equipped with a telecoil interface, which can work with a telecoil-equipped hearing aid. This reduces interference, and makes the conversation easier to hear. An "M" rating indicates that the cellular phone can operate in "microphone" mode, and should help reduces interference between the hearing-aid device and the cellular phone. In either case, the higher the number, the lower the interference level; an M4/T4 device is less likely to cause interference than an M3/T3 device. Consult with your audiologist about whether your hearing-aid device is t-coil-equipped or not. A Pine representative will be glad to demonstrate how you can switch between M and T modes, and can show you how to make test calls to see how the phone works with your device.
- Pine Cellular offers a 30-day trial period, during which a customer may return a cellular phone if it does not work properly with the customer's hearing aid device.
Call or visit one of our offices with any questions or concerns you might have, and allow us to demonstrate how each phone works.
Pine Cellular Hearing Aid Compatible Phone List
The following pricing is subject to change without notice, and assumes service with Pine Cellular.
Pine Cellular offers a variety of phone models. Many of the models offered are considered hearing-aid compatible (HAC) to meet the needs of wireless users with hearing disabilities. Models are presented here by category of price for easy selection.
ADVANCED: $225 or more; generally offer enhanced features such as higher quality camera, Bluetooth, video capabilities, internet access, high-speed processing, touch or tilt screen, and email.
AVERAGE: $125-$224; generally offers lower-quality camera (compared to advanced models), Bluetooth,internet access,increased memory capabilities,larger phonebook capacity,enhanced color display and increased talk time (over basic models). However, may be older, less stylish phones.
BASIC: Less than $125; offers the necessary wireless features, may have lower quality camera, Bluetooth or internet capabilities.Typically offers smaller phonebook capacity and average talk time. Most of these models are generally larger in size compared to more advanced models and lack features such as MP3 players, expandable memory and download capabilities
| Make/Model | Rating | Level of Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Verykool S810 | M3T3 | Average |
| Motorola WX416 | M3T3 | Basic |
| VeryKool RS75 | M3T3 | Average |
| Reach 9788 | M3T3 | Basic |
| HTC One M7 | M3T3 | Advanced |
| HTC One M8 | M3T3 | Advanced |
| Samsung A5 (2016) | M4T3 | Advanced |
| Moto G (3rd Gen.) | M3T3 | Average |
| Samsung S6 | M4T3 | Advanced |
| Samsung Grand Prime | M3T3 | Average |
| Samsung J5 | M3T3 | Average |
| Cat S40 | M3T3 | Advanced |
| Alcatel Pixi 3 (4.5) | M3 | Basic |
| Alcatel Pop 3 (5.0) | M3T3 | Average |
| Apple IPhone 6 | M3T4 | Advanced |
| Apple IPhone 6 Plus | M3T4 | Advanced |
| Apple IPhone 6S | M3T4 | Advanced |
| Apple IPhone 6S Plus | M3T4 | Advanced |
| Apple IPhone SE | M3T4 | Advanced |
| Apple IPhone 7 | M3T4 | Advanced |
| Alcatel Pixi 4 | M3T3 | Average |
| Alcatel Idol 4S | M4T3 | Advanced |