Health and Safety Information 179
Using Your Phone Near Other Electronic Devices
Implantable Medical Devices
A minimum separation of six (6) inches should be maintained between a handheld
wireless phone and an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or
implantable cardioverter defibrillator, to avoid potential interference with the device.
Persons who have such devices:
•
Should ALWAYS keep the phone more than six (6) inches from their implantable
medical device when the phone is turned ON;
•
Should not carry the phone in a breast pocket;
•
Should use the ear opposite the implantable medical device to minimize the
potential for interference;
•
Should turn the phone OFF immediately if there is any reason to suspect that
interference is taking place.
•
Should read and follow the directions from the manufacturer of your implantable
medical device. if you have any questions about using your wireless phone with
such a device, consult your health care provider.
For more information see, http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html
Hearing Aid Compatibility with Mobile Phones
When some mobile 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 ratings for some of their mobile
phones, to assist hearing device users in finding 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 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.
