User's Manual

FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control –

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/hearing.html

Hearing Loss Association of America –

http://www.hearingloss.org/learn/cellphonetech.asp

CTIA – http://www.accesswireless.org/hearingaid/

Gallaudet University, RERC – http://tap.gallaudet.edu/voice

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6.4 FDA CONSUMER UPDATE

U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - CENTER

FOR DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH CONSUMER

UPDATE ON WIRELESS PHONES

1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?

The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated

with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are

absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radiofrequency energy (RF) in the

microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the

stand-by mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue),

exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse

health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have not found any biological

effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such

findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other

researchers have had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons

for inconsistent results.

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2. What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless

phones?

Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products

such as wireless phones before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical

devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless phones are shown to

emit radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case,

FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless phones to notify users of the health

hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so that the hazard no longer exists.

Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has urged

the wireless phone industry to take a number of steps, including the following:

• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type

emitted by wireless phones;

• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user