US FCC 100% Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Mobile Phones

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (fcc) issued a Public Notice (DA 26-555) on June 5, 2026, reminding all wireless handset manufacturers that several key compliance deadlines and filing requirements regarding Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) are approaching.

If your products are sold in the US market, you must clearly understand the following timelines and changes; otherwise, you may face compliance risks.

The Last Submission of FCC Form 655: July This Year

Mobile phone manufacturers will submit their final FCC Form 655 in July this year.

• Reporting Period Covered: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

• Compliance Requirements: Must demonstrate compliance with the current 85% hearing aid compatibility benchmark and other relevant requirements.

• Filing Window: July 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026

• Submission Portal: https://www.fcc.gov/filing-hearing-aid-compatibility-reports-and-certifications

100% Hearing Aid Compatibility Benchmark: Effective December 15, 2026

Starting December 15, 2026, the 100% hearing aid compatibility benchmark and related regulations will officially take effect.

From this date onward, manufacturers may no longer offer handset models that are not hearing aid compatible.

• 85% of Models: Must meet the acoustic coupling and inductive telecoil coupling requirements.

• 15% of Models: Must meet the acoustic coupling and Bluetooth coupling requirements (may also simultaneously meet the telecoil requirements).

Additionally, all new handset models must still meet the volume control requirements (2019 ANSI Standard or the interim waiver standard, the latter of which will expire on September 29, 2027).

Implementation of the New FCC Form 855: Starting January 2027

Starting January 2027, mobile phone manufacturers will submit the revised FCC Form 855 for the first time to certify compliance with the 100% compatibility benchmark.

• Initial Reporting Period: December 15, 2026 – December 31, 2026

• Subsequent Reporting Cycle: January 1 – December 31 annually (covering the previous calendar year)

• Filing Window: January 4, 2027 – February 1, 2027

• Submission Portal: Same link as above; the form will be identified as "Revised FCC Form 855 (For Handset Manufacturers)."

Important Note: Starting January 2027, both handset manufacturers and service providers will concurrently submit FCC Form 855 during the January filing window. Both parties must ensure they use the version of the form applicable to them.

Scope of Application: Covers All Manufacturers Selling in the US Market

This rule applies to all manufacturers offering or selling handset models used for digital mobile services within the United States, regardless of whether the manufacturer is located outside the US, and regardless of whether their models are sold through third parties or rebranded.

• Non-US Companies: Must provide a US office address and telephone number in the certification documents.

• Companies without a US Office: Must use the address of a US agent.

Compliance Reminder

FCC staff will strictly review hearing aid compatibility certifications to ensure they are submitted timely, accurately, and in full compliance with Commission rules. All relevant enterprises are strongly advised to take this seriously and prepare in advance to avoid affecting the sale of their products in the US market.