110
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 to 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
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
