WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a recent move aimed at improving accessibility for the hearing loss community, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an order on September 29, 2023, granting a waiver for specific sections of the wireless hearing aid compatibility (HAC) regulations.
This decision is set to alleviate certain requirements, particularly concerning volume control, for wireless handsets seeking certification as hearing aid-compatible devices.
Hearing Aid Compatibility Guidelines
In 2021, the FCC adopted a new standard for hearing aid compatibility for wireless handsets, the 2019 ANSI Standard, to improve acoustic and inductive (t-coil) coupling between hearing aids and wireless handsets and to provide adequate volume control performance.
Notably, the 2019 ANSI Standard also integrated the TIA 5050 Standard for volume control as a reference point.
From December 5, 2023, onwards, any new wireless handsets aiming for hearing aid compatibility certification were obligated to adhere to the volume control stipulations within the 2019 ANSI Standard, alongside complying with the standard’s remaining criteria.
Addressing ATIS Concerns
However, representing the interests of wireless handset manufacturers and service providers, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) made a formal request for a waiver pertaining to certain components of these regulations.
Their argument centered on the contention that the prevailing volume control testing standard was inherently flawed. ATIS urged the FCC to consider implementing an alternative volume control testing method while simultaneously working on the development of a replacement standard that could be adopted into the Commission’s regulatory framework.
After thorough evaluation, the FCC decided to accept ATIS’s plea and permit the implementation of an alternative testing methodology for volume control as delineated in the waiver order. This change means that a wireless handset can now secure hearing aid compatibility certification under the 2019 ANSI Standard if it successfully meets the criteria specified in the alternative volume control testing method, in addition to fulfilling other requirements outlined in the standard.
The granted waiver will remain in effect for a span of two years. Furthermore, ATIS now has the responsibility of providing a comprehensive progress report on the development of the new volume control standard. This report is due one year from the issuance of the waiver order and will include details regarding when the Commission can anticipate the new standard’s readiness for adoption.
This decision by the FCC marks a significant stride in advancing accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with hearing loss, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to bridging the gap between industry needs and the needs of the hearing-impaired community.
The full order can be viewed here.
Source: FCC
