FCC adopts rules for smartphones and hearing aids

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously approved rules requiring all cell phones to be compatible with hearing aids, a decision that has the potential to give 48 million people access to devices.

After a transition period, the rules will allow people with hearing loss access to the same cell phone models available to all consumers, the FCC said.

The FCC said the rules were made possible through the collaborative efforts of members of the Hearing Aid Compatibility Task Force, an independent organization of wireless carriers, cell phone manufacturers, research institutions and hearing loss advocates.

Jessica Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the FCC, said hearing problems are the most common service-related problem among U.S. military veterans.

“You deserve to have access to a comprehensive range of wireless mobile phones on the market. You deserve to call, connect and live life wirelessly like so many of us do.”

The FCC also introduced a Bluetooth pairing requirement that ensures improved universal connectivity between cell phones and hearing aids. This will be achieved “by encouraging mobile phone manufacturers to move away from proprietary Bluetooth pairing standards”.

Consumers will be informed by labeling at the point of sale whether the handset is certified as hearing aid compatible and whether it meets the requirements for hearing implants or Bluetooth pairing.

The labels also contain information on how to increase the volume of cell phones without having to meet control requirements.