For Your Safety 171
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 devices under the
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) to require digital wireless devices
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 devices 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
devices also vary in the amount of interference they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed a rating system for wireless devices,
to assist hearing device users to find devices that may be compatible with their
hearing devices. Not all devices have been rated. Devices that are rated have the
rating on their box or a label located on the box.
The ratings are not guaranteed. 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 device successfully. Trying out the
device with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for your personal
needs.
M-Ratings: Devices rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to
generate less interference to hearing devices than devices that are not labeled. M4
is the better/higher of the two ratings.
T-Ratings: Devices rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate
less interference to hearing devices than devices 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 device 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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