LG D500 - Manual (Page 131)

130
For Your Safety
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 to 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.