Fcc Hearing-Aid Compatibility (Hac) Regulations For Wireless Devices - LG VX5200 User Manual

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.
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 hearing device is relatively immune to
interference noise. The hearing aid and wireless phone rating values are then added together. A sum of 5
is considered acceptable for normal use. A sum of 6 is considered for best use.
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