Industry, Consumer Groups Support FCC-Proposed HAC Changes

Consumer and industry groups supported proposed changes in a January NPRM asking whether the FCC should update hearing aid compatibility standards (see 2001300041). Groups representing the deaf and hard of hearing supported the HAC proposals, but seeking further changes (see 2003180055). Require in-store testing of handsets until all are fully hearing aid compatible, asked the Hearing Loss Association of America, National Association of the Deaf, Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Gallaudet University's Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. “Require service providers to provide HAC ratings on call out cards for consumer education” and seek further comment on a proposal to eliminate the “refresh” and “differing levels of functionality” requirements, they said. HAC rules should "evolve to ensure they are effectively meeting consumers’ needs,” CTIA said. CTA appreciated utilizing "industry standards in its rules and for taking the common-sense step of incorporating the most recent version.” The FCC “proposes an appropriate transition, which includes grandfathering handsets that were HAC-certified," Samsung said. Comments were posted Tuesday in docket 20-3.