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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
Safety