GreatCall Jitterbug How-To Manual page 165

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
154 Health and Safety Information