Alcatel GO FLIP User Manual page 22

11. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radiofrequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronic devices. For this reason,
FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standard sponsored by
the Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical
device manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed in late 2000. This standard will allow manufacturers
to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI. FDA has tested hearing aids
for interference from handheld wireless phones and helped develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance requirements
for hearing aids and wireless phones so that that no interference occurs when a person uses a "compatible" phone
and a "compatible" hearing aid at the same time. This standard was approved by the IEEE in 2000. FDA continues to
monitor the use of wireless phones for possible interactions with other medical devices. Should harmful interference
be found to occur, FDA will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
• FDA web page on wireless phones (http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProducts
andProcedures/HomeBusinessandEntertainment/CellPhones/default.htm)
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (http://www.icnirp.de)
• World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project (http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/)
• National Radiological Protection Board (UK) (http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/)
AVOID POTENTIAL HEARING LOSS
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (including music) is the most common cause of preventable hearing loss.
Some scientific research suggests that using portable audio devices, such as portable music players and cellular
telephones, at high volume settings for long durations may lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss. This
includes the use of headphones (including headsets, earbuds and Bluetooth® or other wireless devices). Exposure
to very loud sound has also been associated in some studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear), hypersensitivity to
sound and distorted hearing. Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss and other potential hearing
problems varies.
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The amount of sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on the nature of the sound, the device,
the device settings and the headphones. You should follow some commonsense recommendations when using any
portable audio device:
• Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the lowest volume at which you can hear adequately.
• When using headphones, turn the volume down if you cannot hear the people speaking near you or if the person
sitting next to you can hear what you are listening to.
• Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy surroundings. If you choose to listen to your portable device in a
noisy environment, use noise-cancelling headphones to block out background environmental noise.
• Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time is required before your hearing could be
affected.
• Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises, such as concerts, that might cause temporary
hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss might cause unsafe volumes to sound normal.
• Do not listen at any volume that causes you discomfort. If you experience ringing in your ears, hear muffled
speech or experience any temporary hearing difficulty after listening to your portable audio device, discontinue
use and consult with your doctor.
YOU CAN OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT FROM THE FOLLOWING
SOURCES:
AMERICA ACADEMY OF AUDIOLOGY
11730 Plaza American Drive, Suite 300
Reston, VA 20190
Voice: 800-AAA-2336
Email: infoaud@audiology.org
Internet: http://www.audiology.org
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