IPA280 – User guide
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Copyright © 2010 Ingenico
9000002522 R11 000 02/1002
All rights reserved
3.4.3.
FCC Hearing-Aid Compatibility (HAC) Regulations for Wireless Devices
On July 10, 00, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Report and Order in WT
Docket 01-09 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.
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 phone successfully. Trying out the phone with your hearing
device is the best way to evaluate it for your personal needs.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less
interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of
the two ratings. iPA280 is rated M4.
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 phone rating values
are then added together. A sum of 5 is considered acceptable for normal use. A sum of 6 is
considered for better use. A sum of 8 is considered for best use.
CAUTION
The user is cautioned that any changes or modification not approved by INGENICO could
void user’s authority to operate the equipment.
