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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 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 phone rating values are then added
together. A sum of 5 is considered acceptable for normal use. A sum of