Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) regulations for
mobile phones
In 2003, the FCC adopted rules to make digital wireless telephones
compatible with hearing aids and cochlear implants . Although analog
wireless phones do not usually cause interference with hearing aids or
cochlear implants, digital wireless phones sometimes do because of
electromagnetic energy emitted by the phone's antenna, backlight, or
other components. Your phone is compliant with FCC HAC regulations (ANSI
C63.19- 2011). 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 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 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.
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This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of
the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be some newer
wireless technologies used in this phone that have not been tested yet for
use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of this phone
thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear
implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult your service
provider or the manufacturer of this phone for more information on hearing
aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies,
consult your service provider or phone retailer.
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
be more usable with a hearing device's telecoil ("T Switch" or "Telephone
Switch") than unrated phones. T4 is the better/ higher of the two ratings.
(Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them.)
Your phone meets the T4/M4 level rating.
Hearing devices may also be rated. Your hearing device manufacturer
or hearing health professional may help you find this rating. For more
information about FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility, please go to
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro.
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