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FCC Hearing-Aid Compatibility
(HAC) Regulations for Wireless
Devices
On July 10, 2003, the U.S. Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Report
and Order in WT Docket 01-309 modified
the exception of wireless phones under the
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC
Act) to require digital wireless phones be
compatible with hearing-aids. The intent of
the HAC Act is to ensure reasonable
access to telecommunications services for
persons with hearing disabilities.
While 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 a rating system for wireless
phones, to assist hearing device users find
phones that may be compatible with their
hearing devices. Not all phones have been
rated. Phones that are rated have the
rating on their box or a label located on the
box.
The ratings are not guarantees. Results will
vary depending on the user's hearing
device and hearing loss. If your hearing
device happens to be vulnerable to
interference, you may not be able to use a
rated phone successfully. Trying out the
phone with your hearing device is the best
way to evaluate it for your personal needs.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet
FCC requirements and are likely to
generate less interference to hearing
devices than phones that are not labeled.
M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC
requirements and are likely to generate
less interference to hearing devices than
phones that are not labeled. T4 is the
better/higher of the two ratings.
Hearing devices may also be rated. Your
hearing device manufacturer or hearing
health professional may help you find this
rating. Higher ratings mean that the
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