Media Contact: 
Cecilia Sulhoff, (202) 418-0587
cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC UPDATES HEARING AID COMPATIBLITY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

WASHINGTON, November 15, 2018—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a Report and Order that will give consumers and the Commission better access to information about the availability of hearing aid-compatible wireless handsets.  

Specifically, the Report and Order:

· Requires service providers to post on their web sites more up-to-date and accessible information about hearing aid-compatible wireless handsets
· Requires all service providers to certify annually whether they are in compliance with FCC hearing aid-compatibility rules 
· Eliminates a less effective and more burdensome method of providing information by ending the requirement that service providers file FCC Form 655 annually, while maintaining that requirement for handset manufacturers
· Establishes a streamlined transition process for the new web site and certification requirements

The action taken today will ensure that consumers have up-to-date information and remove an unnecessary regulatory burden without impairing the Commission’s ability to enforce its hearing aid-compatibility rules.

Action by the Commission November 15, 2018 by Report and Order (FCC 18-167).  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, and Rosenworcel approving and issuing separate statements.

WT Docket No. 17-228

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).