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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 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.