The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that moving forward, all mobile handsets, including smartphones, in the US will have to be compatible with hearing aids. The FCC has also established new rules regarding volume control and improved product labeling to help individuals who use hearing aids make informed purchasing decisions.
The FCC is introducing a new Bluetooth pairing requirement, which discourages smartphone manufacturers from using proprietary versions that might limit compatibility. According to a press release, this initiative aims to guarantee universal connectivity between mobile phones, hearing aids, and over-the-counter hearing devices. Although a Hearing Aid Compatibility Task Force report indicated that most smartphones do support hearing aids, these updated regulations will help close any existing gaps in compatibility.
In addition to the Bluetooth requirement, smartphone manufacturers will need to meet new volume control benchmarks that allow users to increase volume without introducing distortion. This initiative aims to ensure that everyone, not just individuals with severe hearing loss, can experience clearer audio. Furthermore, companies will be required to update product labeling to include key information regarding hearing aid compatibility, as well as telecoil or Bluetooth coupling requirements, and conversation gain — the maximum volume a phone can reach without compromising sound quality.
The implementation of these new rules will take some time, with a transition period of 24 months for handset manufacturers, 30 months for nationwide service providers, and 42 months for non-nationwide providers. This regulation aligns with recent public health efforts aimed at improving the accessibility of hearing aids. Notably, two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids to provide more affordable options for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.