FCC says all US smartphones must work with hearing aids

48 million people in the United States suffer from some degree of hearing loss, according to a press release from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The FCC is mandating that all new smartphones must work with hearing aids, with the rule taking effect after a specified “grace period” as outlined in the announcement (PDF).

This ruling is significant for users as current compatibility between iPhones, most Android devices, and wireless hearing aids varies and may not meet the ideal M4 and T4 ratings. The FCC aims to address this issue by implementing stricter labeling requirements for both in-person retailers and websites.

Hearing aids have become more accessible in the US since the FDA approved their sale without a prescription in 2022. This has led to increased competition among companies like Sony, Jabra, and Sennheiser, making wireless hearing aids easier to purchase and more affordable.

Additional guidelines in the FCC order include distortion-free volume control benchmarks and universal Bluetooth pairing standards for both standard and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.

As someone with hearing difficulties who may require assistance in the future, I welcome these advancements in accessibility and standards for hearing aid technology.