User manual

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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 to 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 this.
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.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less
interference to hearing devices than phones 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 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.