With the continuous advancement of technology and the increasing demand for accessible communication in society, hearing aid compatibility (HAC) has become one of the important indicators for measuring the performance and user experience of communication devices. Especially in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been committed to promoting compatibility between communication devices and hearing aids to ensure that people with hearing impairments can use communication services equally and effectively.
On December 27, 2024, the US federal website released an update to the mandatory date for 100% Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements. The updated date requirements are as follows:
1、 Transition phase:
1.1 Time range: December 14, 2026 to December 13, 2028
1.2 Requirement: At this stage, Bluetooth coupling can be a proprietary Bluetooth protocol or a universal Bluetooth protocol. Meanwhile, non national service providers should meet 85% of the HAC requirements before this stage.
2、 Final stage:
2.1 Time frame: After December 13, 2028
2.2 Requirement: From this stage onwards, only low-power universal Bluetooth protocol can be used. In addition, non national service providers should meet 100% HAC requirements after this stage.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that before December 14, 2026, although newly certified and modified products must comply with the existing HAC2019 standard, the original requirement of 85% will still be maintained in terms of proportion. Starting from December 14, 2026, in addition to meeting volume control requirements and acoustic coupling requirements (RF emission), it is also necessary to meet T-Coil coupling requirements or Bluetooth coupling requirements. The T-Coil coupling requirement should not be less than 85%, while the rest should meet Bluetooth coupling requirements.
In summary, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has clearly updated the mandatory date for 100% HAC requirements, which will have a significant impact on relevant product and service providers. Relevant enterprises and institutions should closely monitor these changes and ensure that their products and services comply with the latest standards and requirements.
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Post time: Jan-21-2025
