Hearing Aids and Wireless Cell Phones

Editor: The telecommunications industry has continued to make progress in providing hearing aid compatible (HAC) wireless phones for people with hearing loss. Here's an update from ATIS and CTIA.

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October 2006

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) and the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association(r) (CTIA) would like to make you aware of the continued advancements that have been made in hearing aid compatibility with digital wireless cell phones.

In compliance with FCC requirements, nationwide service providers began offering cell phones that were tested and labeled for compatibility with hearing aids set in microphone mode in September 2005. As of September 2006, nationwide service providers are offering cell phones that have been tested and labeled for compatibility with hearing aids used in the telecoil mode. Many regional service providers may also offer phones rated for use with hearing aids.

While the individual experience of each hearing aid wearer will vary, these advancements in cell phone design will provide a greater range of choices for people who have a hearing loss. Hearing aid users are still encouraged to try out cell phones in service provider owned and operated stores to determine which models best meet the user's individual needs.

"Catch the Wireless Wave" is a valuable resource for consumers seeking information on hearing aid compatibility with wireless devices has been developed by the ATIS AISP.4-HAC Hearing Aid Compatibility Incubator, a collaboration of wireless service providers, device manufacturers, consumer advocates for those with a hearing loss, and the hearing instrument industry.

We invite you to explore http://www.accesswireless.org, a website devoted to listing accessible telecommunications products for persons with hearing, visual, mobility and cognitive disabilities. Hosted by CTIA- The Wireless Association(r), the website contains the latest information about hearing aid compatibility with wireless devices, allows consumers to share information, and links to other important websites that provide information on telecommunications services and devices for persons with disabilities. The Hearing Loss Association of America has additional information about hearing loss and telecoils at its website, http://www.hearingloss.org/.

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ATIS is a leading standards developer that is committed to rapidly developing and promoting technical and operations standards for the communications and related information technologies industry worldwide. The ATIS AISP.4 Hearing Aid Compatibility Incubator is comprised of technical experts and liaisons from the wireless device manufacturers and service providers, the hearing aid industry, and consumer advocates for people who are hard of hearing. The Incubator investigates performance between hearing aids and wireless devices to determine methods of enhancing interoperability and usability for consumers with hearing aids in order for those in the hearing aid and cellular wireless industries to meet the requirements set forth by the FCC.

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CTIA- The Wireless Association(tm) is an international organization representing all sectors of wireless communications and who coordinates the industry's efforts to be responsible and responsive to concerns about wireless health and product usage issues, while operating an equipment testing and certification program to ensure high quality and reliability for consumers.