Samsung GreatCall How-To Manual page 84

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
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.
T–Ratings – phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less
interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. T4 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
Health and Safety Information 155