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214 Appendix
Hearing Aids
Some digital wireless phones may interfere with some hearing aids. In the event
of such interference, you may want to consult your service provider, or call the
customer service line to discuss alternatives.
Other Medical Devices
If you use any other personal medical device, consult the manufacturer of your
device to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF energy. Your
physician may be able to assist you in obtaining this information.
Turn your phone OFF in health care facilities when any regulations posted in
these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using
equipment that could be sensitive to external RF energy.
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