Assistive Technology

July 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has filed a “petition for rulemaking requesting the Commission to revise its Part 68 hearing aid compatibility (HAC) volume control gain requirements for terminal equipment.”  The TIA specifically requests that the rules be revised to reference ANSI/TIA-4965, the latest TIA standards to address volume control requirements for HAC, in order to improve access to emergency services and provide “regulatory certainty for manufacturers.”  Comments on the

July 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in the Matter of Speech-to-Speech and Internet Protocol (IP) Speech-to-Speech Telecommunications Relay Services [CG Docket No. 08-15] and Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities [CG Docket No. 03-123].

In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began implementing new rules to make cell phones "compatible" with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Cell phones that are compatible with hearing aids" produce minimal electromagnetic interference, which causes static when the phone is near the ear with the hearing aid.

July 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Enforcement Bureau released a Public Notice reminding all wireless handset manufacturers that they have until July 15, 2013 to file reports regarding compliance with hearing aid compatibility rules.  The rules require manufacturers to “offer a minimum number of hearing-aid compatible handsets,” while providing information to consumers on their availability.  Failure to comply with reporting and hearing aid compatibility rules may result in fines.

July 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order in the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities [CG Docket No. 03-123] and Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program [CG Docket No. 10-51]. The Order adopts per-minute compensation rates for all telecommunication relay services (TRS), excluding video relay services (VRS).  Specifically, for the 2013-2014 fund year, the Order sets the compensation rates as follows: