The FCC’s Wireless Division has decided to extend the transition period for the new hearing aid compatibility requirements (Hearing Aid Compatibility) standard.
Ensure that handset manufacturers can continue to release updated handset models that achieve hearing aid compatibility by extending the transition period for the technical standards referenced in § 20.19(b) of the hearing aid compatibility regulation for six months.
This provision requires that, beginning June 5, 2023, handset manufacturers must use the 2019 version of the ANSI standard for HAC certification of new handset models and no longer use the 2011 version of the ANSI standard for certification.
The FCC is taking this step to ensure that handset manufacturers can continue to certify new handset models with improved hearing aid compatibility under the 2011 Edition ANSI standard, while the FCC considers a waiver request from ATIS to amend the 2019 Edition ANSI standard to allow for HAC certification of handsets with reduced volume control test methods.
With the brief extension of time, the FCC is allowing handset manufacturers to continue to use the 2011 or 2019 versions of the ANSI standards for HAC certification of new handset models through December 5, 2023.
The FCC expects that during this six-month transition period, handset manufacturers will keep their promise to include new technology in the handset models they release, which will benefit consumers, especially those with hearing limitations. Continued HAC certification of new handset models is critical to the Commission’s commitment to “achieve 100 percent hearing aid compatibility for wireless handset coverage.
