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FCC HEARING-AID COMPATIBILITY
(HAC) REGULATIONS FOR
WIRELESS DEVICES
SAFETY AND WARRANTY
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 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.
The M mark is intended to be synonymous with the U mark. The T
mark is intended to be synonymous with the UT mark. The M and T
marks are recommended by the Alliance for Telecommunications
Industries Solutions (ATIS). The U and UT marks are referenced in
Section 20.19 of the FCC Rules. The HAC rating and measurement
procedure are described in the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) C63.19 standard.
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SAFETY AND WARRANTY
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.
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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For information about hearing aids and digital wireless
phone
•
Fcc Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/hearing.html
•
Gallaudet University, RERC
http://tap.gallaudet.edu/DigWireless.KS/DigWireless.htm
•
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People Inc. [SHHH]
www.hearingloss.org/hat/TipsWirelessPhones.htm
•
The Hearing Aid Compatibility FCC Order
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
FCC-03-168A1.pdf