On December 14, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a proposed rulemaking (NPRM) notice numbered FCC 23-108 to ensure that 100% of mobile phones provided or imported in the United States are fully compatible with hearing aids. The FCC is seeking opinions on the following aspects:
Adopting a broader definition of hearing aid compatibility (HAC), which includes the use of Bluetooth connection between mobile phones and hearing aids;
A proposal to require all mobile phones to have sound coupling, induction coupling, or Bluetooth coupling, with Bluetooth coupling requiring a ratio of no less than 15%.
The FCC is still seeking comments on methods to meet the 100% compatibility benchmark, including implementation:
Provide a 24 month transition period for mobile phone manufacturers;
A transition period of 30 months for national service providers;
Non national service providers have a transition period of 42 months.
At present, the notice has not been published on the Federal Register website. The expected period for soliciting opinions after subsequent release is 30 days.
Post time: Jan-03-2024
