Hearing Aid Compatibility

Clear Mobile Accessibility Policy


Last Updated: October 26, 2023

‍

Changes from previous version: 

  • Original document incorporating prior version of Hearing Aid Compatibility Disclosures
  • Added information on Accessibility of Services and Devices
  • Added section on Telecommunications Relay Service

This policy provides information about how individuals with disabilities can use Clear Mobile, LLC’s (Clear Mobile, LLC) wireless services. Hearing, visual, or speech impaired individuals interested in applying for a specially equipped Clear Mobile, LLC wireless device must contact Clear Mobile, LLC and specify their needs to a representative. Clear Mobile, LLC will attempt to assist such customers in obtaining and making available a device that meets their needs.

‍

Hearing Aid Compatibility

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted specific hearing-aid compatibility rules for cell phones to ensure that manufacturers develop phones that are compatible with hearing aid devices and assist hearing device users in finding those phones. Specifically, the FCC relies on standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to help consumers identify which cell phones are compatible with hearing aids. Under the 2019 ANSI Standard, a phone is hearing aid compatible if it is labeled as such.  The 2011 ANSI Standard uses a rating system: compatibility with telecoil hearing aids is based on a ‘T’ rating (T1 through T4), while compatibility with microphone hearing aids is based on an ‘M’ rating (M1 through M4).

The higher the M or T rating assigned to a phone, the less interference there is to hearing aid users—phones that receive a rating of 3 or 4 are deemed to be hearing aid compatible.

Today, most cell phones are designed to be compatible with hearing aids under the ANSI Standards, and therefore reduce or completely eliminate interference that some hearing aid device users may experience when using a cell phone. Interference occurs when the electronics within the hearing aid device pick up and demodulate radio frequency (RF) or electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted by the cell phone or other sources, which may result in a buzzing, humming, or whining noise for users with hearing aid devices while using certain cell phones. In addition to the hearing aid compatibility of the device, the amount of interference experienced will vary depending on the design of the hearing aid.

‍

While the ANSI Standards are a useful tool for consumers when choosing the right cell phone, they do not guarantee that a phone will not cause interference with a particular hearing aid. Additionally, while phones have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that they use, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in phones that have not yet been tested for use with hearing aids. If you use a hearing aid device, it is important that you try the different features of your phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you with questions about your hearing device. You can also consult the manufacturer of your phone for more information on hearing aid compatibility. Additionally, if your cell phone is not working with your hearing aid device, please contact Clear Mobile, LLC Customer Service using the contact information identified below or your wireless phone retailer about phone return or exchange policies.  Clear Mobile, LLC’s phone and exchange policies are set forth in the Terms and Conditions.

‍

Clear Mobile, LLC ensures that a certain portion of the wireless phones it offers are hearing aid compatible under the ANSI standards. Clear Mobile, LLC currently offers the following hearing aid compatible wireless phones:

‍

Make

M Rating

T Rating

FCC ID

Level of Functionality

ANSI Standard

Apple iPhone 6

3

4

BCG-E2816A

Smartphone

2019

Apple iPhone 6 Plus

3

4

BCG-E2817A

Smartphone

2019

Apple iPhone 6S

3

4

BCG-E2946A

Smartphone

2019

Apple IPhone 6S Plus

3

4

BCG-E2944A

Smartphone

2019

Apple iPhone 7

3

4

BCG-E3091A, BCG-E3085A

Smartphone

2019

Apple iPhone 8

3

4

BCG-E3159A, BCG-E3172A

Smartphone

2019

‍

Maze Speed

4

4

2AL40-SPEED

MAZE SPEED

4

4

2AQ4G-MS5514G

Smartphone

2019

Motorola E5

4

3

IHDT56XF2, IHDT56XF4, IHDT56XF5, IHDT56XF6

Smartphone

2019

Samsung Galaxy A10

3

4

A3LSMA105M

Smartphone

2019

Samsung Galaxy J7

3

A3LSMJ700F, A3LSMJ700H, A3LSMJ700M, A3LSMJ700T

Smartphone

2019

SOHO Style

4

4

2AL40-K5016C

Smartphone

2019

SOHO STYLE 5

4

4

2AQ4GMS5414G

Smartphone

2019

SOHO Style 5.5

4

4

2AQ4G-SSB554R

Smartphone

2019


Clear Mobile, LLC currently offers the following additional phones, which are not hearing aid compatible:

Make

FCC ID

Level of Functionality

SKY Elite P55

2ABOSSKYELITEP55

Smartphone

SKY Elite J55

2ABOSSKYELITEJ55

Smartphone

SKY Elite F55

2ABOSSKYELITEF55

Smartphone

SKY Elite C55

2ABOSSKYELITEC55

Smartphone


For additional information about hearing aid compatibility with wireless phones, see the FCC Guide at www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones or the wireless industry association’s consumer resource guide at

www.accesswireless.org/resources-for-consumers/hearing-resources. For more information about accessibility features available in current and older phones, visit the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative’s website at www.gari.info.

‍

Accessibility of our Services and Devices 

The wireless devices offered by Clear Mobile, LLC may function using different operating systems. For information on the accessibility features available with the operating system in some of the devices Clear Mobile, LLC offers, please consult the manuals included in those devices and visit the following links:

‍

‍

Telecommunications Relay Service

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is a communication service that permits individuals with a hearing or speech disability to use the telephone system via a text telephone (TTY) or other device to call persons with or without such disabilities through a TRS center. Different forms of TRS include Text-to-Voice TTY, Voice Carry Over (VCO), Hearing Carry Over (HCO), Speech-to-Speech (STS), Spanish Text-to-Voice TTY, Captioned Telephone, IP Captioned Telephone, IP Relay, Video Relay Service (VRS), and Real-Time Text (RTT). More information about the available types of relay service can be found on the FCC’s TRS website at www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs.

TRS is available in all 50 states and all U.S. territories for local and long-distance calls. TRS providers are compensated for the costs of providing TRS from either a state or a federal fund, and there is no charge to TRS users other than standard calling rates. TRS can be reached by dialing 711 or by contacting your state relay provider, as listed in the FCC’s TRS Directory at www.fcc.gov/general/telecommunications-relay-services-directory. In the event of an emergency, TTY users should call 911 directly.

‍

Using Text Telephone (TTY) with Clear Mobile, LLC’s Services

A TTY is a special device that enables individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired to use the telephone to communicate. TTY works by allowing people to type messages back and forth to one another instead of talking and listening. A TTY is typically required at both ends of the conversation, but TRS can translate conversations for text-to-voice calls.

The FCC requires digital wireless carriers to have the capability to transmit a call from a wireless phone that is connected to a TTY. While the FCC mandate pertains specifically to calls made to 911, the ability to make a call to 911 means that users can also complete a call to anyone, anywhere, provided the party on the receiving end of the call also has a TTY or the call is translated through TRS. All Clear Mobile, LLC service plans and most wireless phones it offers will work with a TTY.

TTY calls, including those to 911, cannot be made while using IP-based calling, such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Wi-Fi Calling. Customers with communications disabilities who need to call 911 while using IP-based calling should use IP Relay, Video Relay, or IP Captioned Telephone Service to reach emergency personnel. Where available, customers may also send a text message to 911 directly (text-to-911).

‍

Using Real-Time Text with Clear Mobile, LLC’s Services

Real-time text (RTT) allows real-time transmission of text messages as they are being composed, making these messages more equivalent to typical voice conversations. RTT also allows voice communication at the same time as text communication (simultaneous voice and text). Unlike other types of texting methods, RTT is similar to a voice call in that an RTT call must be placed and the other party must answer the call for communication to occur, and the parties must hang up the call when it is over. Customers using RTT-enabled devices may be able to communicate using RTT with individuals who are also using RTT-enabled devices on a network that supports RTT. Using RTT while connected to Clear Mobile, LLC’s wireless network will consume your voice minutes.

Using Other Telecommunications Relay Services with Clear Mobile, LLC’s Services

Clear Mobile, LLC’s data services may support use of IP-based telecommunications relay services including Video Relay Service, IP Relay, and IP Captioned Telephone Service. These TRS offerings are a more effective means than TTY of placing assisted calls, including to 911. Using these services while connected to Clear Mobile, LLC’s wireless network will consume your data allotment.

‍

Customer Support

If you have questions about how individuals with disabilities can use Clear Mobile, LLC’s wireless services, please contact Clear Mobile, LLC customer service using the following information:

‍

Email:  info@clearwireless.com

‍

Phone: 1-855-392-7747 or 611 from your Clear Mobile, LLC Device during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM/CT.

‍

Mail: Clear Mobile, LLC 941 W I35 Frontage Rd, STE 116 PMB 470, Edmond, OK 73034.

*LEGAL NOTES
Clear Mobile's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offering is a supported service - a government benefit program. Only eligible consumers may enroll in ACP. ACP service is limited to one per household and is non-transferable. Proof of income or qualified program participation may be required for enrollment. UNLIMITED DOES NOT MEAN UNREASONABLE USE. To ensure that all customers have access to reliable services provided at a reasonable cost, you may not use our service in a manner that interferes with another Clear Mobile mobile customer’s use of our service or disproportionally Clear Mobile, LLC’s network resources. Clear Mobile, LLC reserves the right, without notice or limitation, to terminate data usage or individual calls, or after providing notice to you, offer you a different service plan with no unlimited usage components, limit data throughput speeds or quantities, or deny, terminate, end, modify, disconnect, or suspend your service, or decline to renew your service, if you engage in any of the prohibited voice or data uses detailed below or if Clear Mobile, LLC, in its sole discretion, determines action is necessary to protect its wireless networks from harm or degradation. Clear Mobile may limit, alter, or discontinue your service if you generate abnormally high call volumes, abnormally long average call lengths, calls with abnormally high costs, abnormally high data use, or other disproportionate use when compared to those of other customers of Clear Mobile. BROADBAND DATA. Your service plan terms and conditions may limit the amount of high-speed data included with your service plan and the actual speeds you will achieve while using our broadband services. The actual performance of an individual customer’s wireless data service may vary based on reception, technology, network traffic, and a number of other factors. Clear Mobile does not guarantee the speeds of the data services it provides. Other terms & conditions may apply. PROMOTIONAL OFFER SUBJECT TO LOCATION OF RESIDENCE AND ELIGIBILITY FOR AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP). The ACP is an FCC program that provides non-transferrable discounts on monthly broadband internet access services. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount. Eligible consumers may get ACP services from Clear Mobile or any participating provider. Benefits may be transferred to another participating provider at any time. When the FCC announces the end of the ACP program, or we end our promotional FREE ACP service offer, we will notify you, and you may keep your ACP service by paying the applicable un-discounted rate plus fees and taxes. For more information about ACP eligibility and the program, go to https://www.clearwireless.com/how-to-qualify or call us at (888) 303-6360. Other terms & conditions may apply.