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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 this.
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.
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