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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.
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.
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