CTIA-The Wireless Association® Redesigns AccessWireless.org
Mar 23 2011
New Features Help Consumers Choose the Right Accessible Wireless Devices and Services
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act (HAC)
The Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) generally requires that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ensure that telephones manufactured or imported for use in the United States after August 1989, and all “essential” telephones, are hearing aid-compatible. When Congress passed the Act in 1988, it specifically exempted “telephones used with public mobile services” (wireless telephones) from these requirements. To ensure that the HAC Act kept pace with the evolution of telecommunications, however, Congress granted the FCC a means to revoke or limit the exemption for wireless telephones. On August 14, 2003, the FCC determined that continuation of a complete exemption for wireless telephones would have an adverse effect on individuals with hearing disabilities, and that limiting the exemption was technologically feasible and in the public interest. Based upon these findings, the FCC established rules for the hearing aid compatibility of digital wireless phones.
For more information about the HAC Act visit http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/hac_wireless.html .
HLAA Files Comments with FCC on HAC Cell Phones
Feb 17 2011
HLAA filed comments with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding their 2010 Review of Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations. We based our comments largely on the results of a recent survey on hearing aid compatible (HAC) cell phones.
HLAA, Consumer Groups, File Comments with FCC on Mobile Phones
Nov 1 2010
Hearing Loss Association of America ("HLAA"), Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. ("TDI"), Association of Late-Deafened Adults, Inc. ("ALDA"), and Deaf & Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network ("DHHCAN"), National Association of the Deaf ("NAD"), and Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ("AG Bell") filed comments in response to the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("FNPRM") released by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC" or "Commission") on October 25, 2010.
Choosing and Using a Cell Phone with Your Hearing Aid or Cochlear Implant
Aug 6 2010
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations require hearing aid-compatible digital wireless telephones. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about cell phones and the FCC regulations.
More cell phones are being manufactured with reduced radio frequency (RF) emissions to minimize interference and make them more hearing aid user friendly as a result of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
Hearing Aid Compatibility Videos: Choosing a Cell Phone That Works For You
Feb 23 2009
The Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (Wireless RERC) and CTIA - The Wireless Association® present Hearing Aid Compatibility: Choosing a Cell Phone That Works For You.
This is a five-part video series to help consumers choose a hearing aid compatible wireless device that meets their needs. Each video breaks down the information consumers need into easy to understand segments.
Telecommunications and Hearing Aid Compatibility
Jul 12 2007
Hearing Aid Immunity Levels: Useful information to have when shopping for a mobile phone. The hearing aid industry will now rate the immunity level of their hearing aids and put the information in the product manual that is included with each hearing aid purchase. Hearing Industries Association, the trade association for hearing aid manufacturers, said that all of their members have agreed to include the language in their manuals. HIA membership produces approximately 90% of hearing aid purchased in the US.
Hearing Loss Association of America Announces Agreement with the Wireless Industry
Apr 24 2007
Washington, DC - The Hearing Loss Association is delighted to announce it has reached a consensus agreement with the wireless industry on increasing the accessibility of wireless telephones over the next few years. Read the news release [View PDF]
Consumer-Industry Consensus Agreement for an Alternative to the 50% Rule [View PDF]
FCC Approves Use of Revised Hearing Aid Compatibility Standard for Wireless Devices as Endorsed by ATIS
Jun 23 2006
June 23, 2006, Washington – The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) recently announced its support of revisions to an American National Standard supporting hearing aid compatibility (HAC) requirements in wireless communications devices, following recommendations filed by the ATIS HAC Incubator in March and May of this year. [Read more]
