Hearing Aid Compatibility

More information about hearing aid compatibility can be found at the FCC’s website: https://www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones.

Learn more about the Global Accessibility Reporting initiative and help finding accessible devices and apps: https://www.gari.info/. 

Standards

There are two sets of standards used to determine compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing aids. These standards are established by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI):

  • 2011 ANSI Standard. The 2011 ANSI Standard uses an M/T rating system to categorize a device’s ability to operate near a hearing aid without causing interference. The “M” part of the rating indicates the device’s ability to reduce interference to hearing aids operating in acoustic coupling mode. The “T” rating indicates the device’s ability to reduce interference to hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode, in other words, with a telecoil. (Not all hearing aids have telecoils.) A device’s M and T ratings can run from 1 through 4. The higher the number, the less likely the device will cause interference when used near a hearing aid. A device that is hearing aid compatible under the 2011 ANSI Standard is rated M3 and T3 or better.

  • 2019 ANSI Standard. Devices that meet the 2019 ANSI Standard for hearing aid compatibility do not have M or T ratings. They are simply labeled as “Hearing Aid Compatible” or “HAC,” which means that they will operate at the equivalent of the M3/T3 rating or better. Devices that meet the 2019 ANSI Standard also include volume control capabilities that allow for sound levels sufficient for operation with and without a hearing aid.

  • Hearing aids may also be measured for immunity to interference from wireless devices. Your hearing aid manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you find results for your hearing aid. The more immune your hearing aid, the less likely you are to experience interference noise from a wireless device. 

Device Hearing Aid Compatibility

The following statement is valid for devices with a HAC rating other than “None”:

This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that it uses.  However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in this phone that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids.  It is important to try the different features of this phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise.  Consult your service provider or the manufacturer of this phone for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.

Disclaimer

Handsets with Wi-Fi calling capabilities may not have been tested for hearing aid compatibility in this calling mode.

Last updated 3/1/2024