Samsung SGH-T839HABTMB user manual 233

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.

A sum of 5 is considered acceptable for normal use. A sum of 6 is considered for best use. If a hearing aid meets the M2 level rating and the wireless mobile device 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 mobile device.

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