Manual

23
FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
Regulations for Wireless Devices
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established
requirements for digital wireless mobile devices to be compatible with
hearing aids and other assistive hearing devices.
When individuals employing some assistive hearing devices (hearing aids
and cochlear implants) use wireless mobile devices, they 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 : Wireless 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. M-ratings refer to enabling acoustic coupling with hearing
aids that do not operate in telecoil mode.
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. T-ratings
refer to enabling inductive coupling with hearing aids operating in telecoil
mode.
Hearing devices may also be rated. Your hearing aid manufacturer or
hearing health professional may help you find this rating. Higher ratings
mean that the hearing device is relatively immune to interference noise.
VZW_i535_Eng_PSW_.book Page 23 Monday, February 10, 2014 2:15 PM