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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 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 is relatively immune to interference noise. The hearing aid and wireless mobile device rating values are then added together.

152 SCH-I500, SCH-I500RKAUSC specifications

The Samsung SCH-I500, also known as the Fascinate, is a notable smartphone that was released as part of Samsung's Galaxy S series. This device, originally launched in 2010, gained attention for its impressive design and advanced features at the time, making it a popular choice among technology enthusiasts and mainstream consumers alike.

One of the main features of the Samsung SCH-I500 is its 4-inch Super AMOLED display. This technology provided vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the overall visual experience for users. The screen resolution of 480x800 pixels ensured that images and text appeared sharp, which was particularly appealing for multimedia consumption and web browsing. Its sleek design, characterized by a glass front and plastic back with rounded edges, made it comfortable to hold and operate.

Under the hood, the SCH-I500 is powered by a 1 GHz Cortex-A8 processor, offering decent performance for multitasking and running applications. It comes with 512 MB of RAM, which, while modest by today’s standards, was quite sufficient for smooth operation of the Android 2.1 (Eclair) operating system it originally shipped with. Samsung later provided updates that allowed users to experience Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), enhancing the functionality and user interface.

The device features a 5-megapixel rear camera, equipped with LED flash, capable of capturing decent photos and video in various lighting conditions. With features like autofocus and digital zoom, it allowed users to document their experiences effectively. Additionally, the SCH-I500 included a front-facing camera, catering to the growing demand for video calling and self-portraits.

On the connectivity front, the Samsung SCH-I500 supports 3G networks and offers Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling users to connect to the internet easily when in range of a Wi-Fi hotspot. Bluetooth support also facilitated file sharing and the use of wireless accessories, such as headphones.

Another characteristic of this device is its storage options, offering 2 GB of onboard storage, expandable via a microSD card slot, which allows users to increase their storage capacity significantly for apps, media files, and documents.

While the Samsung SCH-I500 may seem outdated today, it was a significant step forward in mobile technology at the time of its release, showcasing key features and performance that appealed to a wide range of users. Its combination of a vibrant display, capable camera, and solid performance made it a standout smartphone in its era, contributing to the success of the Galaxy S series in the competitive smartphone market.

Samsung SCH-I500RKAUSC user manual 152

Models: SCH-I500 SCH-I500RKAUSC

SCH-I500, SCH-I500RKAUSC specifications