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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 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 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.
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