The Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) has adopted a new rule. This rule mandates all smartphones in the US to be compatible with hearing aid devices. This decision aims to ensure that the 48 million Americans with hearing loss have access to the same mobile phone models as everyone else. By removing compatibility barriers, individuals with hearing loss will have a wider range of choices when selecting a smartphone that meets their needs. FCC also noted that this mandate will be implemented following a transition period, allowing manufacturers time to comply with the new requirements.
In a release, the FCC wrote: “Under the new rules, after a transition period, Americans with hearing loss will no longer be limited in their choice of technologies, features, and prices available in the mobile handset marketplace.”
What this rule means for smartphone makers
To comply with this mandate, phone makers have to abandon proprietary Bluetooth standards that may affect connectivity and ensure universal compatibility with all hearing aids , including over-the-counter devices like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 .
Furthermore, the FCC is mandating that all new smartphones in the US meet specific volume control standards . This will allow users to amplify audio without distortion, ensuring clear and audible sound for those with hearing impairments.
“Such requirements accommodate consumers with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids as well as those that rely on hearing aids or cochlear implants,” the FCC added.
To further assist consumers with hearing loss, the FCC is mandating clearer labelling requirements for smartphone manufacturers regarding hearing aid compatibility . Phone makers have to clearly state on their packaging and websites whether a device is compatible with hearing aids, including details about telecoil or Bluetooth coupling capabilities.
Additionally, these labels must indicate the maximum volume a handset can reach while still meeting the new volume control standards that ensure clear audio for hearing aid users.
In a release, the FCC wrote: “Under the new rules, after a transition period, Americans with hearing loss will no longer be limited in their choice of technologies, features, and prices available in the mobile handset marketplace.”
What this rule means for smartphone makers
To comply with this mandate, phone makers have to abandon proprietary Bluetooth standards that may affect connectivity and ensure universal compatibility with all hearing aids , including over-the-counter devices like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 .
Furthermore, the FCC is mandating that all new smartphones in the US meet specific volume control standards . This will allow users to amplify audio without distortion, ensuring clear and audible sound for those with hearing impairments.
“Such requirements accommodate consumers with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids as well as those that rely on hearing aids or cochlear implants,” the FCC added.
To further assist consumers with hearing loss, the FCC is mandating clearer labelling requirements for smartphone manufacturers regarding hearing aid compatibility . Phone makers have to clearly state on their packaging and websites whether a device is compatible with hearing aids, including details about telecoil or Bluetooth coupling capabilities.
Additionally, these labels must indicate the maximum volume a handset can reach while still meeting the new volume control standards that ensure clear audio for hearing aid users.
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