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108 VX8300
Safety
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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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