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Hearing Aid Compatibility

Some people who use hearing aid devices may find it a challenge to use a wireless phone. Advocates in the wireless industry and consumer groups have been working for years to develop standards and solutions to reduce difficulties that the hard-of-hearing can face. In addition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set requirements for wireless carriers and wireless device manufacturers. There are now a large number of hearing-aid compatible (HAC) devices available. 

Device Compatibility Ratings

Each device is tested for hearing aid compatibility under one of two standards: the 2011 ANSI Standard, or the newer 2019 ANSI Standard.  Here is how to understand each:

The 2011 ANSI Standard:

Because the 2019 ANSI Standard is so new, most currently available devices were certified under the 2011 ANSI Standard. Under the 2011 ANSI Standard, there are two different ratings to consider when picking a hearing aid compatible device: the M and T ratings.

1. M-Ratings measure reduced hearing aid device interference.
   • Some people with a hearing aid device experience a buzzing or whining noise when using a wireless phone.
   • Phones with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference with hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
   • Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to certain types of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you find immunity results for your hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is to this interference, the less likely you will be to experience interference from mobile phones or sources such as computer monitors or fluorescent lighting.

1. T-Ratings measure compatibility with hearing aids that have telecoils.
   • A telecoil is a small device built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices.  Not all hearing aids have telecoils. The T-Rating measures the device’s effectiveness with a telecoil. 
   • Phones with a T-Rating of T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are more likely to work well for people who use hearing aids with telecoils. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.

If a phone has an M-Rating of 3 or 4, and a T-Rating of 3 or 4, then it is hearing aid compatible. 

The 2019 ANSI Standard:

If a device is certified as passing under the newer 2019 ANSI Standard, it will be labeled “Hearing Aid Compatible” or “HAC.”  The 2019 ANSI Standard also includes volume controls for using the handset with or without a hearing aid. 

2019 ANSI Standard: The following phones are certified under the 2019 ANSI Standard.