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98 VX8350
Safety
additional protection for the public
and to account for any variations in
measurements.
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.
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
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