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FCC Hearing-Aid Compatibility(HAC) Regulations for WirelessDevices
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.