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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 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
device with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for
your personal needs.
M-Ratings
: 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.
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.
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 mobile device 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. If a hearing aid meets the M2 level
rating and the wireless mobile device meets the M3 level rating,
the sum of the two values equal M5. This is synonymous for T
ratings. This should provide the hearing aid user with “normal
usage” while using their hearing aid with the particular wireless
mobile device.
