Alcatel OT 665 Manual page 33

* In the United States and Canada, the SAR limit for mobile phones used by the public is 1.6 watts/
kg (W/kg) averaged over one gram of tissue. The standard incorporates a substantial margin of
safety to give additional protection for the public and to account for any variations in measure-
ments.
HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY (HAC) FOR WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES
PCD'S COMMITMENT
PCD believes that all of our customers should be able to enjoy the benefits of digital wireless
technologies. We are committed to providing a selection of compatible devices for our customers
who wear hearing aids.
THIS PHONE HAS A HAC RATING OF M4/T4
WHAT IS HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY?
The Federal Communications Commission has implemented rules and a rating system designed to
enable people who wear hearing aids to more effectively use these wireless telecommunications
devices. The standard for compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing aids is set forth
in American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard C63.19. There are two sets of ANSI stand-
ards with ratings from one to four (four being the best rating): an "M" rating for reduced interfer-
ence making it easier to hear conversations on the phone when using the hearing aid microphone,
and a "T" rating that enables the phone to be used with hearing aids operating in the telecoil mode
thus reducing unwanted background noise.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH WIRELESS PHONES ARE HEARING AID
COMPATIBLE?
The Hearing Aid Compatibility rating is displayed on the wireless phone box.
A phone is considered Hearing Aid Compatible for acoustic coupling (microphone mode) if it has
an "M3" or "M4" rating. A digital wireless phone is considered Hearing Aid Compatible for induc-
tive coupling (telecoil mode) if it has a "T3" or "T4" rating.
This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technolo-
gies that it uses. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in this phone that
have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of
this phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to
determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult your service provider about its return and
exchange policies and for information on hearing aid compatibility.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY HEARING AID WILL WORK WITH A PARTICULAR
DIGITAL WIRELESS PHONE?
You'll want to try a number of wireless phones so that you can decide which works the best with
your hearing aids. You may also want to talk with your hearing aid professional about the extent
to which your hearing aids are immune to interference, if they have wireless phone shielding, and
whether your hearing aid has a HAC rating.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HEARING AIDS AND DIGITAL WIRELESS
PHONE
• FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control – http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/hearing.html
• Hearing Loss Association of America – http://www.hearingloss.org/learn/cellphonetech.asp
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• CTIA – http://www.accesswireless.org/Disability-Categories/Hearing.aspx
• Gallaudet University, RERC – http://tap.gallaudet.edu/voice
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - CENTER FOR DEVICES AND RADIO-
LOGICAL HEALTH CONSUMER UPDATE ON WIRELESS PHONES
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using
wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless
phones emit low levels of radiofrequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used.
They also emit very low levels of RF when in the idle mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce
health effects (by heating tissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating effects
causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have not found
any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such
findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other researchers have had
difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent results.
2. What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products such as
wireless phones before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical devices. However,
the agency has authority to take action if wireless phones are shown to emit radiofrequency
energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufac-
turers of wireless phones to notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the
phones so that the hazard no longer exists. Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA
regulatory actions, FDA has urged the wireless phone industry to take a number of steps, including
the following:
• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by wireless
phones;
• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not neces-
sary for device function;
and
• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible information on possible
effects of wireless phone use on human health.
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that have responsibility for
different aspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level. The following agen-
cies belong to this working group:
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Federal Communications Commission
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some inter-agency working group activities, as
well. FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless phones with the Federal Communica-
tions Commission (FCC). All phones that are sold in the United States must comply with FCC
safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies on FDA and other health agencies for safety
questions about wireless phones. FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone net-
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