Accessibility for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired
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Sprint's suite of messaging services are particularly useful for people that are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired. SMS text messaging is a very popular way to send messages to friends, family and business associates. In addition, Sprint offers Sprint PCS mail (e-mail that can be sent from a wireless device or a personal computer), as well as instant messaging from AOL and Yahoo!. Sprint PCS Business Connection gives users secure, real-time access to business e-mail, work calendar, company directories, and personal contacts via their wireless devices.
Sprint also sells several Blackberry and Palm wireless devices with full "qwerty" keyboards, making use of Sprint's messaging services more convenient and enjoyable.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
Sprint Nextel provides a number of wireless phones that have been measured and rated for use with hearing aid devices. These ratings have been developed to assist hearing aid device users in finding phones that may be compatible with their particular hearing aid devices.
What is an "M" rating?
"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. Thus, M4 is the better or higher of the two ratings.
What is a "T" rating?
"T" refers to using the hearing aid set on telecoil. The higher the T number the more likely you will receive better interoperability performance between your phone and hearing aid on the telecoil setting. Thus T4 is the better or higher of the two ratings. Reduced feedback and reduced background noise are additional benefits of using a hearing aid set on telecoil during phone 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.
Which phones are compatible?
These ratings are not guarantees of performance and results will vary depending on the user's hearing aid device and degree of hearing loss. Sprint encourages customers with hearing aid devices to try out several phones before making a purchase, as phones that have not been rated may also work well. Be sure to test both antenna positions for phones with a retractable antenna.
If you experience problems using your new phone with your hearing aid, Sprint suggests you promptly return it and find another compatible phone. With the "Sprint 30 day Risk Free Guarantee", you may return your phone within 30 days of activation. We'll refund your activation fee, waive your early termination fee and only charge you for actual usage.
TTY-compatible wireless phones
A TTY allows persons with hearing and/or speech loss to make or receive telephone calls by typing their conversations, via two-way text. Sprint and Nextel phones widely available today are TTY-compatible.