Alcatel ONE TOUCH Fierce 2 - Manual (Page 65)

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HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY (HAC) FOR WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES
OUR COMMITMENT
We believe that all of our customers should be able to enjoy the benefits of digital wireless technologies. We are
committed to providing a selection of compatible devices for our customers who wear hearing aids.
THIS PHONE HAS A HAC RATING OF M4/T4. Reference ANSI C63.19-2011
FCC ID: RAD475
WHAT IS HEARING AID COMPATIBILITY?
The Federal Communications Commission has implemented rules and a rating system designed to enable people who
wear hearing aids to more effectively use these wireless telecommunications devices. The standard for compatibility of
digital wireless phones with hearing aids is set forth in American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard C63.19.
There are two sets of ANSI standards with ratings from one to four (four being the best rating): an “M” rating for
reduced interference making it easier to hear conversations on the phone when using the hearing aid microphone,
and a “T” rating that enables the phone to be used with hearing aids operating in the telecoil mode thus reducing
unwanted background noise.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH WIRELESS PHONES ARE HEARING AID COMPATIBLE?
The Hearing Aid Compatibility rating is displayed on the wireless phone box.
A phone is considered Hearing Aid Compatible for acoustic coupling (microphone mode) if it has an “M3” or “M4”
rating. A digital wireless phone is considered Hearing Aid Compatible for inductive coupling (telecoil mode) if it has
a “T3” or “T4” rating.
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
about its return and exchange policies and for information on hearing aid compatibility.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY HEARING AID WILL WORK WITH A PARTICULAR
DIGITAL WIRELESS PHONE?
You’ll want to try a number of wireless phones so that you can decide which works the best with your hearing aids.
You may also want to talk with your hearing aid professional about the extent to which your hearing aids are immune
to interference, if they have wireless phone shielding, and whether your hearing aid has a HAC rating.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HEARING AIDS AND DIGITAL WIRELESS
PHONE
• FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control – http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/hearing.html
• Hearing Loss Association of America – http://www.hearingloss.org/learn/cellphonetech.asp
• CTIA – http://www.accesswireless.org/Disability-Categories/Hearing.aspx
• Gallaudet University, RERC – http://tap.gallaudet.edu/voice
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - CENTER FOR DEVICES AND
RADIOLOGICAL
HEALTH CONSUMER UPDATE ON WIRELESS PHONES
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless
phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of
radiofrequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in
the idle mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure to low level RF that
does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have
not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such findings
have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty in reproducing
those studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent results.
2. What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products such as wireless phones
before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical devices. However, the agency has authority to take
action if wireless phones are shown to emit radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In
such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers
of wireless phones to notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so that the hazard
no longer exists. Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has urged the wireless
phone industry to take a number of steps, including the following:
• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by wireless phones;
• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not necessary for device
function;
and
• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible information on possible effects of wireless
phone use on human health.
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that have responsibility for different aspects of
RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level. The following agencies
belong to this working group:
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Federal Communications Commission
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some inter-agency working group activities, as well. FDA shares
regulatory responsibilities for wireless phones with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All phones that
are sold in the United States must comply with FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies on FDA
and other health agencies for safety questions about wireless phones. FCC also regulates the base stations that the
wireless phone net works rely upon. While these base stations operate at higher power than do the wireless phones
themselves, the RF exposures that people get from these base stations are typically thousands of times lower than