143• Should use the ear opposite the implantable medical device tominimize the potential for interference;• Should turn the phone OFF immediately if there is any reason tosuspect that interference is taking place;• Should read and follow the directions from the manufacturer of yourimplantable medical device. If you have any questions about usingyour wireless phone with such a device, consult your health careprovider.For more information see:http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.htmlFCC Hearing-Aid Compatibility (HAC)Regulations for Wireless DevicesOn July 10, 2003, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission(FCC) Report and Order in WT Docket 01-309 modified theexception of wireless phones under the Hearing Aid CompatibilityAct of 1988 (HAC Act) to require digital wireless phones becompatible with hearing-aids.The intent of the HAC Act is to ensure reasonable access totelecommunications services for persons with hearingdisabilities.While some wireless phones are used near some hearing devices(hearing aids and cochlear implants), users may detect abuzzing, humming, or whining noise. Some hearing devices aremore immune than others to this interference noise, and phonesalso vary in the amount of interference they generate.The wireless telephone industry has developed a rating systemfor wireless phones, to assist hearing device users find phonesthat may be compatible with their hearing devices. Not all phoneshave been rated. Phones that are rated have the rating on theirbox or a label located on the box.The ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending onthe user's hearing device and hearing loss. If your hearing devicehappens to be vulnerable to interference, you may not be able touse a rated phone successfully. Trying out the phone with yourhearing device is the best way to evaluate it for your personalneeds.M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements andare likely to generate less interference to hearing devices thanphones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the tworatings.T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and arelikely to generate less interference to hearing devices thanphones that are not labeled. T4 is the better/higher of the tworatings.Hearing devices may also be rated. Your hearing devicemanufacturer or hearing health professional may help you findthis rating. Higher ratings mean that the hearing device isr600.book Page 143 Thursday, May 7, 2009 4:35 PM