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.
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.
T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely
to generate less interference to hearing devices than phones 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 phone 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.