Report on customer experiences with hearing aid compatible cellphones now available

The Wireless RERC's latest annual report on user experiences with hearing aid compatibility of cellphones is now available for viewing and download.

Based on the Wireless RERC’s annual survey of hearing aid compatibility, the latest report discusses trends in satisfaction with cellphone sound quality by people who use hearing aids. The report also presents analysis of trends in the difficulty of finding a compatible cellphone, and the information sources consulted.

The survey data show a marked increase in cell phone satisfaction among consumers who use hearing aids. Still, a majority of these consumers still experience difficulty finding a hearing aid compatible cellphone.

Hearing aids are susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference when users’ cell phones are held in close proximity. In response, the FCC set requirements beginning in 2005 for cell phone manufacturers and service providers to make available a number of phone models that produce lower levels of RF interference with hearing aids.

“Progress is being made, but it is uneven at this early point”, noted project director Jim Mueller. “We will launch our 2009 HAC survey this summer to continue to monitor consumer experiences with hearing aid compatible cell phones, and provide ongoing feedback to handset manufacturers and service providers.”

For the Wireless RERC’s full report on hearing aid compatibility, please visit: http://www.wirelessrerc.org/publications/HAC-Report_2008_2009-06-10.docx/view.