The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted revised rules to further improve accessibility of wireline and wireless phones for people with hearing loss.
As a result of a Report and Order issued in late October, the Commission has now adopted a revised volume control standard for wireline handsets. Further, in recognition of the increased reliance on wireless phones, the Report and Order also mandates that, within the next three years, all wireless handsets newly certified as hearing aid compatible must include volume control features suitable for those with hearing loss.
Separately, the Report and Order also extends the FCC’s HAC requirements to wireline phones used with advanced communications services, such as phones using voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) services. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within two years time.
Read the complete text of the Commission’s Report and Order on HAC-compatible phones.
