# 2026-01441: Every Phone Must Work with Hearing Aids by 2026

2026-01441, Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility, is a Federal Register rule from Federal Communications Commission published 2026-01-26, effective 2026-01-26 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01441
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-01441
- Title: Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Federal Communications Commission
- Citation: 91 FR 3070
- Published: 2026-01-26
- Effective: 2026-01-26
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

Every Phone Must Work with Hearing Aids by 2026

## Summary

Starting January 26, 2026, all wireless phone makers must ensure every phone model works well with hearing aids. This rule helps people with hearing loss enjoy clear calls without extra hassle. The government approved the paperwork rules for three years, so companies know exactly what info to share, keeping things smooth and fair.

## Abstract

The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, information collections associated with the certain rules adopted in the Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility Report and Order, FCC 24-112. This announcement also corrects a typographical error in the final rules.

## Effects PRIA read

- All New Phones Must Be HAC: benefit, high. Starting January 26, 2026, every future wireless handset model sold or used in the United States must be hearing aid compatible (HAC). This rule is designed so consumers with hearing loss can access the same phone models as people without hearing loss.
- Bluetooth Pairing Requirement for Hearing Aids: benefit, medium. The rules require that a certain number of handset models meet Bluetooth coupling requirements so phones connect more reliably with hearing aids, including over-the-counter hearing aids. Handset manufacturers must submit a sworn declaration stating the Bluetooth coupling standard used and that the…
- Clear Labels and Digital Info for HAC Phones: benefit, medium. Handset packaging must show whether a model is hearing aid compatible and must report conversational gain with and without hearing aids where applicable, and whether it meets telecoil or Bluetooth coupling (and which Bluetooth technology). Manufacturers may use digital labeling (a QR code and websi…

## Related documents

- [2026-20591](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20591): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20590](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20590): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20676](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20676): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20607](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20607): Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20681](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20681): Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20486](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20486): Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, 2026-10-06

## Sources
- [2026-01441 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01441/achieving-100-wireless-handset-model-hearing-aid-compatibility)
- [2026-01441 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-26/pdf/2026-01441.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-01431, Income Level for Individuals Eligible for Assistance](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01431)
- [Next: 2026-01442, Delete, Delete, Delete](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01442)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01441 (as of 2026-06-11).