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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.
• 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.
In the above example, if a hearing aid meets the M2 level rating and the
wireless phone meets the M3 level rating, the sum of the two values equal
M5. This is synonymous for T ratings. This should provide the hearing aid
user with “normal usage” while using their hearing aid with the particular
wireless phone. “Normal usage” in this context is defined as a signal quality
that is acceptable for normal operation.