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((HHAACC)) RReegguullaattiioonnss ffoorr WWiirreelleessss
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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.
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.
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