User's Manual

Chapter 7 Safety and Warranty 113
handheld wireless phones and helped develop a
voluntary standard sponsored by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This
standard specifies test methods and performance
requirements for hearing aids and wireless phones
so that that no interference occurs when a person
uses a “compatible” phone and a “compatible”
hearing aid at the same time. This standard was
approved by the IEEE in 2000. FDA continues to
monitor the use of wireless phones for possible
interactions with other medical devices. Should
harmful interference be found to occur, FDA will
conduct testing to assess the interference and work
to resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the
following resources:
y FDA web page on wireless phones
(http://www.fda.gov/cellphones)
y Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety
Program
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
y International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection
(http://www.icnirp.de)
y World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF
Project
(http://www.who.int/emf)
y National Radiological Protection Board (UK)
(http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/)
AVOID POTENTIAL HEARING LOSS
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (including music)
is the most common cause of preventable hearing
loss. Some scientific research suggests that using
portable audio devices, such as portable music
players and cellular telephones, at high volume
settings for long durations may lead to permanent
noise-induced hearing loss. This includes the use of
headphones (including headsets, earbuds and
Bluetooth® or other wireless devices). Exposure to
very loud sound has also been associated in some
studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear),
hypersensitivity to sound and distorted hearing.
Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss
and other potential hearing problems varies.
The amount of sound produced by a portable audio
device varies depending on the nature of the sound,
the device, the device settings and the headphones.
You should follow some commonsense
recommendations when using any portable audio
device: