All mobile phones must be hearing aid compatible under new FCC rules

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Thursday issued rules requiring that all mobile phones — including smartphones — sold in the U.S. be compatible with hearing aids. The news comes two years after the FDA made hearing aids available to all Americans without a prescription.

The FCC has not yet issued a specific timeline for compliance, only noting that the rules will be fully in effect “after a transition period.” The rules discourage handset makers from instituting proprietary Bluetooth coupling, which could limit device compatibility with over-the-counter hearing aids.

Under the new rules, companies will be required to note on their website if a given handset is compatible with hearing aids.