The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments on a recent report and a petition regarding the agency’s regulations on hearing aid compatibility (HAC) for wireless handsets.
The FCC issued two Public Notices regarding HAC-related issues. The first Notice seeks comment on a final report issued by the HAC Task Force, which includes several specific recommendations for achieving 100% HAC compliance. The Task Force’s recommendations include:
- Adopting a more flexible definition of hearing aid compatibility;
- Adjusting current HAC technical standards;
- Exploring the impact of changes in alternative coupling technologies (e.g., Bluetooth) on HAC; and
- Establishing a 90-day window for the resolution of HAC waiver petitions.
The second Public Notice seeks comments on a petition filed by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), asking the agency to allow wireless handsets to satisfy a reduced volume control testing methodology to demonstrate compliance with HAC certification requirements instead of the methodology stipulated in existing standards.
Read the FCC’s Public Notice seeking comment on the ATIS Petition.
Read the Public Notice seeking comment on the HAC Task Force report.
