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potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always,
clearly marked. They include below deck on boats, chemical
transfer or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied
petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), areas where the
air contains chemicals or particles, such as grain, dust, or
metal powders, and any other area where you would
normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine.
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 mobile devices under the
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) to require
digital wireless mobile devices 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 mobile devices 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 mobile devices also vary in the
amount of interference they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed a rating
system for wireless mobile devices to assist hearing device
users find mobile devices that may be compatible with their
hearing devices. Not all mobile devices have been rated.
Mobile devices 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 mobile device successfully. Trying out
the mobile device with your hearing device is the best way to
evaluate it for your personal needs.
M-Ratings
: Mobile devices rated M3 or M4 meet FCC
requirements and are likely to generate less interference to
hearing devices than mobile devices that are not labeled. M4
is the better/higher of the two ratings.
T-Ratings
: Mobile devices rated T3 or T4 meet FCC
requirements and are likely to generate less interference to
hearing devices than mobile devices 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