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SAFETY
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
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