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HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY (HAC) FOR WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES
OUR COMMITMENT
We believe that all of our customers should be able to enjoy the benefits of digital wireless technologies. We are committed to providing
a selection of compatible devices for our customers who wear hearing aids.
THIS PHONE HAS A HAC RATING OF M3/T4
FCC ID: RAD296
WHAT IS HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY?
The Federal Communications Commission has implemented rules and a rating system designed to enable people who wear hearing aids
to more effectively use these wireless telecommunications devices. The standard for compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing
aids is set forth in American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard C63.19. There are two sets of ANSI standards with ratings from
one to four (four being the best rating): an “M” rating for reduced interference making it easier to hear conversations on the phone
when using the hearing aid microphone, and a “T” rating that enables the phone to be used with hearing aids operating in the telecoil
mode thus reducing unwanted background noise.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH WIRELESS PHONES ARE HEARING AID COMPATIBLE?
The Hearing Aid Compatibility rating is displayed on the wireless phone box.
A phone is considered Hearing Aid Compatible for acoustic coupling (microphone mode) if it has an “M3” or “M4” rating. A digital
wireless phone is considered Hearing Aid Compatible for inductive coupling (telecoil mode) if it has a “T3” or “T4” rating.
This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may
be some newer wireless technologies used in this phone that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try
the different features of this phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if
you hear any interfering noise. Consult your service provider about its return and exchange policies and for information on hearing aid
compatibility.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY HEARING AID WILL WORK WITH A PARTICULAR
DIGITAL WIRELESS PHONE?
You’ll want to try a number of wireless phones so that you can decide which works the best with your hearing aids. You may also want
to talk with your hearing aid professional about the extent to which your hearing aids are immune to interference, if they have wireless
phone shielding, and whether your hearing aid has a HAC rating.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HEARING AIDS AND DIGITAL WIRELESS
PHONE
• FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control – http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/hearing.html
• Hearing Loss Association of America – http://www.hearingloss.org/learn/cellphonetech.asp
• CTIA – http://www.accesswireless.org/Disability-Categories/Hearing.aspx
• Gallaudet University, RERC – http://tap.gallaudet.edu/voice
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - CENTER FOR DEVICES AND
RADIOLOGICAL
HEALTH CONSUMER UPDATE ON WIRELESS PHONES
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof,
however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radiofrequency energy (RF) in the microwave range
while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the idle mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by
heating tissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of
low level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but
such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty in reproducing those
studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent results.
2. What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products such as wireless phones before they can be sold,
as it does with new drugs or medical devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless phones are shown to emit
radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers
of wireless phones to notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has urged the wireless phone industry to take a number
of steps, including the following:
• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by wireless phones;
• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not necessary for device function;
and
• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible information on possible effects of wireless phone use on
human health.
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that have responsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure
coordinated efforts at the federal level. The following agencies
belong to this working group:
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Federal Communications Commission
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some inter-agency working group activities, as well. FDA shares regulatory responsibilities
for wireless phones with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All phones that are sold in the United States must comply with
FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies on FDA and other health agencies for safety questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone net works rely upon. While these base stations operate at higher power
than do the wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures that people get from these base stations are typically thousands of times lower
than those they can get from wireless phones. Base stations are thus not the subject of the safety questions discussed in this document.