The FCC has adopted new rules that require all mobile phones available in the US to be compatible with hearing aids. The new rules include new stipulations for devices’ Bluetooth connections, requiring manufacturers to move away from proprietary coupling standards and instead ensure “universal connectivity” between handsets and hearing aids.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that all smartphones will soon need to work with all Bluetooth hearing aids, and vice versa, so that people with hearing loss don't have to worry about compatibility issues.

FCC Requires All Mobile Phones to be Hearing Aid Compatible - Rules Include New Bluetooth Requirements to Ensure Universal Connectivity

Addressing the disparities in assistive device access among the 48 million Americans with hearing loss, the FCC has ruled that all "mobile handsets" (read: smartphones) must be compatible with hearing aids.

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules requiring all mobile handsets sold in the US to be compatible with hearing aids, marking a significant milestone

Now that hearing aids are available over-the-counter, the FCC takes accessibility a step further with requirements for Bluetooth and volume control.