Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) on Wednesday applauded the Federal Communications Commission's approval of Globalstar's modified plan to establish a new wireless network.

A previous Globalstar proposal may have interrupted Bluetooth and wireless devices using the same bandwidth, including hearing aids.

The amended plan will significantly lessen the potential for interference, ensuring individuals with hearing loss can use the wireless features of their hearing devices without interruption.

“I commend the FCC and Globalstar for recognizing that Americans with hearing loss should not have to face a disruption in their hearing devices,” said Thompson. “Innovation drives our economy, but it should not come at the expense of the health and well-being of the public. This modified plan is a strong compromise to allow the development of new technology without posing a risk to Americans with hearing impairments.”

Andrew Bopp, executive director of Hearing Industries Association, noted that rapid advances in wireless technology have enabled people with hearing loss to connect directly through their hearing aids to the telephone, music players, television and other devices. 

He added, “HIA deeply appreciates the efforts of Rep. Thompson to insure that new interference issues do not emerge to prevent people from accessing these features.”

As co-chair of the Congressional Hearing Caucus, Thompson sent a letter to Chairman Tom Wheeler of the FCC in April of 2016, expressing concerns about the impact Globalstar's previous proposal may have had on people with hearing loss.

In his letter, Thompson requested that the FCC verify that any proposals would not harm the availability of Bluetooth or similar features for hearing assistance devices.

Furthermore, Thompson called for testing of the proposed technology to determine its viability.