Wireless RERC - Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

Wireless RERC on the Record: Volume Control Standards for Hearing Aid Compatibility

mz22 — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 14:33:38 +0000

Wireless RERC HAC 2016 Comments

Publication Type:

The Wireless RERC, in collaboration with Georgia Tech’s Center for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP) filed comments before the FCC in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) In the Matter of Access to Telecommunications Equipment and Services by Persons with Disabilities [CG Docket No. 12-32]; Petition for Rulemaking Filed by the Telecommunication Industry Association Regarding Hearing Aid Compatibility Volume Control Requirements [CG Docket No. 13-46]; Amendment of the Commission’s Rules Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Mobile Handsets [WT Docket No. 07-250]; Comment Sought on 2010 Review of Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations [WT Docket No. 10-254]. The comments, in large part, were informed by analyses of data collected via the Wireless RERC’s hearing aid compatibility (HAC) survey research. The 2014 HAC survey was designed to gather data from people who use hearing aids and cochlear implants on how well their hearing technology works with their wireless handsets. Answers to the survey questions have provided insight into the effectiveness of hearing aid compatibility requirements in the United States, as well as the need for any amendments to the rules.

The Wireless RERC’s comments supported the incorporation of the proposed 2012 ANSI Wireline Volume Control Standard, and further recommended extending any technology requirements for wireline phones to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, as well. Regarding applying the volume control standard to wireless devices, the comments took a more modified approach. While the Wireless RERC generally agrees with the FCC’s belief “that standards and requirements for manufacturers and service providers are needed for volume control in wireless handsets as well^{^[1]}” and respondents to the Wireless RERC’s 2014 HAC Survey indicated that volume control impacted the usability of their wireless handset; ultimately the Wireless RERC supported further investigation of whether it is necessary to incorporate a volume control standard for wireless handsets, recognizing that this might take longer than voluntary compliance via industry driven solutions. Given the complexity of interactions between increasingly sophisticated and powerful wireless handsets, telecom delivery services (i.e. VoIP), hearing aids and the variability of hearing loss amongst the users, the difficulty of crafting regulations that improves access for end-users is not overlooked by the Wireless RERC/CACP. Nevertheless, people with hearing loss deserve and are entitled to parity of access to telecommunications services, wireless, or otherwise.

[1] 1996 HAC R&O, 11 FCC Rcd at 8282 ¶ 78.

Wireless RERC on the Record - Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations

mz22 — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 15:41:18 +0000

deaf

Hard-of-Hearing

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

Wireless RERC/CACP Comments Filed in Response to Public Notice [WT Docket Nos. 07-250 and 10-254]

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC), in collaboration with Georgia Tech’s Center for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP), submitted comments in response to the FCC’s Public Notice, Request for Updated Information And Comment On Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Regulations [WT Docket Nos. 07-250 and 10-254]. Released on November 21, 2014, the Public Notice sought insight into the current consumer experience, technical or other barriers to the provision of hearing aid compatible mobile phones, and considerations to amend rules for Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) compliance. The Wireless RERC and CACP reaffirmed the belief that the accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT) and services are essential to enhancing inclusion and independence for people with disabilities. Comments were respectfully based on subject matter expertise developed over the past 14 years: findings from consumer surveys and focus groups, policy research, and development efforts. The comments were also largely informed by analyses of data collected via the Wireless RERC’s hearing aid compatibility (HAC) survey research.

The FCC sought to update the record on two principle issues: (1) Whether the FCC should revise the hearing aid compatibility requirement to apply in a technologically neutral manner to all mobile wireless devices; and (2) Whether the FCC should consider moving away from the fractional compliance benchmarks and implement a requirement that all mobile wireless devices must comply with the hearing aid compatibility rules. The Wireless RERC and CACP addressed both issues with the following assertions:

Ease of finding a compatible phone would be greatly improved if HAC requirements applied to all wireless handsets and would simplify phone selection for people with varying capabilities. For people with hearing loss, when purchasing a handset there are other mainstream and accessibility features to consider in conjunction with HAC compliance. One should not have to sacrifice other phone features to ensure they are purchasing a HAC compliant phone.
Phones are rapidly changing forms and technologies; the Commission should attempt to create a large tent to encompass as many technologies that might be used in devices with phone features. Most Wi-Fi phones and private internal phone networks interconnect with the public switched telephone network (PSTN) through a gateway so they can be used to make traditional phone calls. …a technologically neutral manner should be adopted.
Hearing aid users report little improvement in ease of finding a hearing aid compatible wireless handset over the course of implementation of the HAC Act requirements. Substantial proportions of hearing aid users still report their search as being difficult or very difficult. Furthermore, fractional deployment causes problems for consumers in today’s market as more and more consumers are opting to have wireless devices only. These factors indicate it might be time to phase out the fractional deployment rules.

In closing, the comments acknowledged the difficulty of crafting regulations due to the sometimes competing priorities of industry and consumers and the complexity of interaction between increasingly sophisticated and powerful wireless handsets. Nevertheless, they also maintained that people with hearing loss deserve and are entitled to having parity of access to telecommunications services, wireless, or otherwise.

FCC Extends Comment Dates for Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations Information

mz22 — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:24:49 +0000

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

deaf

Hard-of-Hearing

Request for Updated Information and Comment on Wireless HAC Regulations; Correction and Extension of Comment Dates

February 2015 – The FCC released a notice [47 CFR Part 20] correcting errors found in their December 23rd request for updated information to assess whether current hearing aid compatibility rules for wireless handsets effectively address the needs of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. The December public notice was issued on behalf of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Wireless Bureau) and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) seeking insight into the current consumer experience, technical or other barriers to the provision of hearing aid compatible devices on new wireless technologies, and considerations to amend FCC rules for Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) compliance. The notice was published as an effective date instead of comment and reply deadlines. As a result, the comment and comment reply deadlines have been extended to: February 5, 2015 to file comments; February 20, 2015 to file reply comments.

This extension comes in response to a joint request by Telecommunications Industry Association, (CTIA)—The Wireless Association, and Hearing Loss Association of America to extend reply dates. Given recent deployment of LTE networks, Wi-Fi calling, and various other developments, wireless hearing aid compatibility issues are of grave importance to those who use assistive technology and those that advocate on their behalf. While some of the rules currently impose hearing aid compatibility requirements based on the underlying network technology and not on a device’s functionality, the FCC seeks to update the record on two principle issues:

Should the FCC revise the hearing aid compatibility requirement to apply in a technologically neutral way to all mobile wireless devices that can be used for voice communications?
Should the FCC consider moving away from the fractional compliance regime that exists today and implement a requirement that all mobile wireless devices must comply with the hearing aid compatibility rules?

To view a full copy of the Public Notice, please click the link below.

Wireless RERC CSUN14 Presentations Now Online

mz22 — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:37:19 +0000

Technology & Persons with Disabilitities Conference

Futures

Web Accessibility

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

Publication Type:

Presentations

Wireless RERC researchers were featured at the 2014 International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference (CSUN) in San Diego, California March 17-22, 2014. Links to presentations are below.

Are we Neglecting the 20%: Accessibility of Emergency Management Websites, Dr. DeeDee Bennett
Hearing Aid Compatibility: Results from a National Survey, Dr. John Morris
Wireless Technology Uses and Activities by People with Disabilities, Dr. John Morris
Future of Disabilities: Is Technology Failing Us?, Salimah LaForce

Related Files:

Attachment	Size
Are we Neglecting the 20percent- Accessibility of Emergency Management Websites (PDF).pdf	782.82 KB
Hearing Aid Compatibility Results from a National Survey.pdf	1.19 MB
Wireless Technology Uses and Activities by People with Disabilities.pdf	964.56 KB
Future of Disabilities Is Technology Failing Us.pdf	3.2 MB

Wireless RERC at CSUN - March 17-22, 2014

mz22 — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:17:06 +0000

Emergency Management

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

Wireless Accessibility

Futures

CSUN Conference Registration

Wireless RERC researchers will be featured at the 2014 International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference (CSUN) in San Diego, California March 17-22, 2014. The papers include:

Are we Neglecting the 20%: Accessibility of Emergency Management Websites, Wednesday, March 19^th @ 10:40am;
Hearing Aid Compatibility: Results from a National Survey, Wednesday, March 19^th @ 10:40am;
Wireless Technology Uses and Activities by People with Disabilities, March 19^th @ 1:50pm.
Future of Disabilities: Is Technology Failing Us?, Friday, March 21^st @ 8;00am.

DeeDee Bennett, Salimah LaForce, and John Morris will be attending from the Wireless RERC. Come meet us in San Diego!

TIA Petitions for New Hearing Aid Compatibility Standards

mz22 — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 15:51:32 +0000

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

American National Standrads Institute (ANSI)

Public Notice Petition for Rulemaking

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 Notice must reference [CG Docket No. 13-46] and are due August 19, 2013. Reply comments are due September 3, 2013.

Take the 2013 Hearing Aid Compatibility Survey!

mz22 — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:04:19 +0000

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

2013 Hearing Aid Compatibility Survey

Spanish Language Version_Complete Nuestro Questionario Sobre Compatibilidad Entre Celulares Y Audiofonos

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.

The Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (Wireless RERC) is interested in how the FCC's regulations impact the usability of cell phones for people who use hearing aids and cochlear implants. We invite people who use hearing aids or cochlear implants to participate in the survey regarding their use of cell phones.

Start the 2013 Hearing Aid Compatibility Survey!

As incentive for taking our 2013 HAC survey you will have a chance to win one of four $50 Amazon gift cards!

If you wish to take the survey over the phone, please email John Morris or call him at 404-367-1348.

And in an effort to reach native Spanish speakers, we also have a Spanish language version of the survey which can be found below. You can help us out tremendously if you forward the text and link below to any Spanish language speakers who use hearing aids!

Compliance with Hearing Aid Compatibility Rules

mz22 — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 20:15:27 +0000

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

Enforcement

Hearing Loss

Public Notice Enforcement Advisory No. 2013-5

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.

Settlement on Hearing Aid Compatibility Rules for Wireless Phones

mz22 — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 18:51:47 +0000

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

Enforcement

Hearing Loss

FCC Press Release

June 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission has settled with Airadigm Communications and TeleGuam Holdings following investigations into lack of compliance with hearing aid compatibility rules. The rules ensure that people with hearing aids are able to use wireless phones “without excessive feedback or noise.” Airadigm and TeleGuam Holdings have agreed to pay $260,000 and $280,000 in voluntary payments respectively, in addition to ensuring future compliance through “robust compliance plans that include new operating procedures, comprehensive training of employees and agents, and periodic reporting requirements.” Commenting on the settlement, Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn noted that “Wireless technology is transforming the very fabric of our lives. We must continue to ensure that all Americans – regardless of their hearing disability or where they live – can enjoy the benefits these technologies have to offer.”

FCC’s Progress in the Accessibility of Advanced Communications

mz22 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:25:53 +0000

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

disabilities

Advanced Telecommunications

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

FCC FY 2012 Annual Report

February 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Annual Performance Report was released in early February and summarizes the FCC’s work on accomplishing strategic goals and meeting performance commitments established in the FCC FY 2012 Annual Performance Plan. Some of the areas in which the FCC focused on included: promotion and adoption of spectrum for broadband; launching the Connect America Fund and reforming the Lifeline program; promotion of competition in the interest of the public; empowerment and protection of consumers; and agency process and regulatory reform. With specific regards to disabilities, the FCC continued to implement the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) and enforce their hearing aid compatibility rules to ensure equal access to advanced telecommunications for individuals with disabilities. In addition, the FCC adopted rules requiring that all broadcast video posted on the Internet include closed captioning.