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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.
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. Your LX140 has a M4 rating.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC
requirements and are likely to generate less
interference to hearing devices than phones 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
phone 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.
Safety
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