Handset makers are no longer exempt [PDF] from making hearing aid compatible digital phones. The FCC today voted unanimously to require digital phone makers to make hearing aid compatibility wireless phones, saying its former exemption was outdated.

According to the rules, 50 percent of digital wireless phones on the market by February 18th 2008 should be HAC compatible. Lobbyists wanted 100 percent of all digital wireless phones to be compatible by 2008. The tiered approach allows phone makers and carriers to better gauge the costs of the modifications.

[via PhoneScoop]