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care facilities may be using equipment that could be
sensitive to external RF energy.
Vehicles
RF signals may affect improperly installed or
inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor
vehicles. Check with the manufacturer or its
representative regarding your vehicle before using
your mobile device in a motor vehicle. You should also
consult the manufacturer of any equipment that has
been added to your vehicle.
Posted Facilities
Switch your mobile device off in any facility where
posted notices require you to do so.
Potentially Explosive Environments
Switch your mobile device off when in any area with a
potentially explosive atmosphere and obey all signs
and instructions. Sparks in such areas could cause an
explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even
death. Users are advised to switch the mobile device
off while at a refueling point (service station). Users
are reminded of the need to observe restrictions on
the use of radio equipment in fuel depots (fuel storage
and distribution areas), chemical plants, or where
blasting operations are in progress. Areas with a
potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not
always, clearly marked. They include below deck on
boats, chemical transfer or storage facilities, vehicles
using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or
butane), areas where the air contains chemicals or
particles, such as grain, dust, or metal powders, and
any other area where you would normally be advised
to turn off your vehicle engine.
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
