All Mobile Phones Must Be Hearing Aid Compatible Under New FCC Rules (techcrunch.com)
- Reference: 0175273919
- News link: https://mobile.slashdot.org/story/24/10/17/2049232/all-mobile-phones-must-be-hearing-aid-compatible-under-new-fcc-rules
- Source link: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/17/all-mobile-phones-must-be-hearing-aid-compatible-under-new-fcc-rules/
> The FCC has not yet issued a specific timeline for compliance, only noting that the rules will be fully in effect "after a transition period." The rules discourage handset makers from instituting proprietary Bluetooth coupling, which could limit device compatibility with over-the-counter hearing aids. Under the new rules, companies will be required to note on their website if a given handset is compatible with hearing aids.
Two years ago, the FDA [3]announced that hearing aids would no longer require a prescription. The agency also recently [4]approved Apple AirPods as hearing aids.
[1] https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-requires-all-mobile-phones-be-hearing-aid-compatible
[2] https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/17/all-mobile-phones-must-be-hearing-aid-compatible-under-new-fcc-rules/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/otc-hearing-aids-what-you-should-know
[4] https://science.slashdot.org/story/24/09/12/2014242/fda-approves-apple-airpods-as-hearing-aids
You thought the phones were loud now . . . . (Score:2)
The new ones will come with a " hearing impaired " mode that will blast a call across that speaker at 130db . . . . . . :P
Re: (Score:2)
That reminds me of the original SNL bit, "News for the Hard of Hearing".
[1]https://youtu.be/GwSh0dAaqIA?s... [youtu.be]
[1] https://youtu.be/GwSh0dAaqIA?si=3leW9_8E89fZZ_cX
Re: (Score:2)
> The new ones will come with a " hearing impaired " mode that will blast a call across that speaker at 130db . . . . . . :P
Reminds me of the douche in the Costco today who was blaring their domestic crap in the refrigerator section at full blast. I half expected someone to start gesturing wildly in American sign language. You know, kind of like every other political event or press conference that is televised these days because, as we all know, apparently deaf people can't read closed captions.
are thise like the hearing aid scam? (Score:1)
for decades hearing aids were supposedly "custom made" and over $1,000 all total with payments over four years or such.
the truth is you can buy BETTER hearing aids for about $30 a set that have nice silicone plugs (various size included) that comfortably fit any ear, extra size 10 batteries (which are 30 cents apiece when you buy big box of say 60 for $20). My father and his friends used those.
There are already wireless headphones for the hearing impaired for under $100, why did the FCC need to step in and
Reverse it (Score:2)
Wouldn't it make more sense to do it the other way around and require hearing aids to be bluetooth compatible? This has already been figured out for a host of add-on devices.
Re:Reverse it (Score:4, Informative)
That's not really what hearing aid compatibility means. It means that the phone can work with the hearing aid in acoustic coupling or telecoil mode, and if it does support bluetooth, that it supports a non-proprietary pairing process.
Apple's documented the support level for each of their phones, basically all the phones they've made since the iPhone 6 are good to go: [1]https://support.apple.com/en-c... [apple.com]
The FCC's actual announcement: [2]https://docs.fcc.gov/public/at... [fcc.gov]
[1] https://support.apple.com/en-ca/106349
[2] https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-406697A1.pdf
Re: (Score:2)
> Wouldn't it make more sense to do it the other way around and require hearing aids to be bluetooth compatible? This has already been figured out for a host of add-on devices.
This. Hearing aids don't necessarily even have any sort of receiver to integrate with.
I mean, I guess you could mandate an 1/8" mini jack.... :-D
Re: (Score:2)
> Hearing aids don't necessarily even have any sort of receiver to integrate with.
Telecoils. Compatible with standard telephones as well as loop type hearing assistive systems in some movie theaters and other locations.
Re: (Score:2)
> Wouldn't it make more sense to do it the other way around and require hearing aids to be bluetooth compatible? This has already been figured out for a host of add-on devices.
The rule establishes a universal/standard Bluetooth coupling requirement, rather than proprietary, and increased volume ability w/o distortion to accommodate people with other types of hearing loss who don't use hearing aids or use other devices, like cochlear implants. From the press release:
> The Commission also established a Bluetooth coupling requirement that will benefit consumers by ensuring more universal connectivity between mobile handsets and hearing aids, including over-the-counter hearing aids, by encouraging handset manufacturers to move away from proprietary Bluetooth coupling standards.
> The Report and Order also requires that all new mobile handsets available in the U.S. must meet volume control benchmarks that ensure clear audio for the listener by allowing them to increase a mobile handset’s audio volume without introducing distortion. 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.