The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to ensure that 100 percent of wireless handsets offered or imported for use in the United States are fully compatible with hearing aids. The FCC is seeking comment on: (1) adopting a broader definition of Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) that would include the use of Bluetooth connectivity between wireless handsets and hearing aids; and (2) a proposal to require all wireless handsets to have acoustic coupling and either inductive or Bluetooth coupling.
The FCC is also seeking comment on ways to meet the 100 percent compatibility benchmark, including implementing: (1) a 24-month transition period for handset manufacturers; (2) a 30-month transition period for nationwide service providers; and (3) a 42-month transition period for non-nationwide service providers. Furthermore, the FCC is seeking comment on proposals to ensure that consumers have the information necessary to make informed decisions and to reduce the regulatory burden on service providers and manufacturers.
