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Virgin Mobile offers a number of wireless devices that have been measured and rated for use with hearing aid devices.

The currently available Helio by Virgin Mobile handsets that have received a hearing-aid compliant (HAC) performance rating (designated by the letter "M" followed by a number) are indicated in the chart below:

Some of our older phones are not hearing-aid compliant. Please call 1-888-884-3446 for more information.

The "M" rating refers to the phone's Radio Frequency (RF) emissions level for use with hearing aids operating in the microphone setting. The higher the phone's "M" rating, the more likely the phone is compatible with a hearing aid operating in the microphone setting. A hearing aid uses a microphone to collect and convert sound waves to electrical signals. The hearing aid then amplifies and converts the electrical signals back to audible sounds for the hearing aid user to hear. RF emissions generated by digital wireless phones often interfere with the operation of a hearing aid's microphone, distorting the amplified audible sound. In addition, hearing aid microphones tend to collect ambient noise and amplify these sounds, interfering with the desired audio transmission. To diminish interference between wireless phones and hearing aids, the FCC requires wireless carriers to offer phones that meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C63.19 standard for reduced RF emissions. Wireless phones that comply with the FCC's hearing aid compatibility (HAC) regulations must receive a minimum rating of "M3" for RF emissions under the ANSI C63.19 standard.

While there is no guarantee, digital wireless phones that receive a minimum of an M3 rating should provide acceptable performance with most hearing aids. Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized, however, so optimal performance cannot be guaranteed. Other factors, such as type of hearing aid device or degree of hearing loss, also can affect a phone's performance for a particular user. Hearing aids also have ratings similar to wireless phones. Most newer hearing aid models receive at least an M2 rating. To determine the level of compatibility between your hearing aid and the Helio by Virgin Mobile HAC certified handsets, combine the M rating of your hearing aid and the M rating of this phone. For example, if you pair an M3 hearing aid with an M4 phone, you will achieve a combined rating of 7. Any combined rating equal to or greater than 6 provides excellent performance, any combined rating equal to 5 offers good performance, and any combined rating equal to 4 offers acceptable performance.

Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing device's telecoil ("T Switch" or "Telephone Switch") than unrated phones. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. (Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them.) Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to this type of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional may help you choose the proper rating for your mobile phone. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you are to experience interference noise from mobile phones.

The specifications for the hearing-aid compliant Helio by Virgin Mobile handsets can be found in the description pages for each phone. To learn more click here