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TIA Urges FCC to Update Hearing Aid Compatibility Standards

ARLINGTON, VA (October 25, 2012) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging it to expeditiously take an important step towards improving the access and experience of hard-of-hearing users of terminal equipment, such as wireline telephones, by undertaking a rulemaking to update references in Part 68 of the FCC’s rules to TIA standards which set hearing aid compatibility (commonly referred to as HAC) volume control requirements. TIA standards for HAC volume control are relied upon by millions of American hard-of-hearing consumers to ensure wireline telephone systems allow them to maximize their experience when communicating by voice.

Published in October of 2012, ANSI/TIA-4965 (Receive Volume Control Requirements for Digital and Analog Wireline Terminals) was developed by TIA’s TR-41 Engineering Committee (User Premises Telecommunications Requirements). TR-41 develops voluntary standards for telecommunications terminal equipment and systems, specifically those used for voice services, integrated voice and data services, and Internet protocol applications. Together with its three subcommittees and their working groups, the committee develops performance and interface criteria for equipment, systems and private networks, as well as the information necessary to ensure their proper interworking with each other, with public networks, with IP telephony infrastructures and with carrier-provided private-line services. In addition, TR-41 develops criteria for preventing harm to the telephone network, which becomes mandatory when adopted by the Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments.  The committee is also engaged in providing input on product safety issues, identifying environmental considerations for user premises equipment and addressing the administrative aspects of product approval processes.

Current Part 68 rules reference TIA HAC volume control requirements in two TIA standards that have since been updated multiple times. The latest versions are moving to a new and improved method of measuring amplification, called Conversational Gain, a more rational and intuitive way to measure telephone speech amplification than currently-referenced Receive Objective Loudness Rating requirements, that will result in a more consistent experience of amplified gain level for hard-of-hearing consumers who purchase terminal equipment. TIA requests that the Commission issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise relevant Part 68 references to the most recent TIA standard as quickly as possible. This would primarily benefit hearing disabled consumers by providing a more consistent experience of amplified gain level, and would also provide regulatory certainty for TE manufacturers who seek to comply with Part 68.

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details.

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