"Americans with hearing loss will no longer be limited in their choice of technologies, features, and prices available in the mobile handset marketplace," wrote the FCC. The rule

Smartphone manufacturers are also required to ensure that their devices meet certain volume control benchmarks.

In addition to hearing aid compatibility, the FCC now mandates that smartphones must offer simpler Bluetooth pairing options.

Now that hearing aids are available over-the-counter, the FCC takes accessibility a step further with requirements for Bluetooth and volume control.

The FCC has mandated that every phone sold in the US must be compatible with hearing aids. The commission also requires both Android OEMs and Apple to abandon proprietary Bluetooth standards that could interfere with hearing aid compatibility.

Spread the loveIn a landmark move that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new rule requiring all mobile phones to be compatible with hearing aids.