Federal Communications Commission (FCC) states that all smartphones in the United States must be compatible with hearing aids.

I am a strong supporter of accessibility in technology, although unfortunately I do not celebrate it much. The Federal Communications Commission achieved a rare victory this week by mandating that all mobile phones be compatible with hearing aids.

The new authorization, announced on Thursday, does not encourage phone manufacturers to integrate their products’ Bluetooth standards because that could complicate the process of pairing with hearing aids. Instead, new requirements have been set for Bluetooth pairing that will facilitate a simpler and more inclusive connection between smartphones and hearing devices.

The FCC also requested smartphone manufacturers to ensure that their devices meet volume control standards, so users can raise the volume of their smartphones without distorting their content. Increasing the volume on the device often reveals its weakness and removes clarity and detail, so I am pleased that this action has finally been verified; this specific requirement will also benefit people who do not suffer from hearing loss.

The authorization requires reviewing the classification of smartphones and product information on the website to include details that can help people with hearing problems make informed purchasing decisions. These details include whether the product is compatible with hearing aids, whether it meets the new Bluetooth pairing requirements, and whether the volume can be adjusted without compromising sound quality.

According to FCC Facts newspaper, the transitional period to comply with the new authorization is 24 months for smartphone manufacturers, 30 months for national service providers, and 42 months for providers from outside the country. It adds that ensuring incompatible devices are not sold after the end of the transitional period. Until the end of the relevant periods, manufacturers can continue to sell products that fall under older certification standards.

Apple announced the function of hearing aids for the AirPods Pro 2 device in June 2024, which is the latest major step for accessibility in the industry. The US Food and Drug Administration quickly approved this feature, paving the way for over-the-counter hearing aid options.