FCC Mandates Hearing Aid Compatibility for All Smartphones

The new rules aim to ensure universal access for Americans with hearing loss by requiring all mobile phones to support hearing aids.

The FCC's new regulations require 100% of mobile handsets sold in the U.S. to be compatible with hearing aids, addressing accessibility for 48 million Americans with hearing loss.
Smartphones must now meet specific volume control benchmarks to allow users to increase volume without distortion, benefiting both hearing aid users and others with hearing loss.
The rules include a Bluetooth coupling requirement to ensure universal connectivity, preventing manufacturers from using proprietary standards that limit compatibility.
Manufacturers must revise labeling to clearly indicate hearing aid compatibility and compliance with Bluetooth and telecoil requirements.
A transition period is in place: 24 months for handset makers, 30 months for nationwide service providers, and 42 months for non-nationwide providers.