Hearing Aid Compatibility

Hearing Aid Compatibility

These handsets have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that they use. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in these phones that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of these phones 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 the handset for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.

Explanation of HAC and Rating System

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Devices

Hearing aids do not always function well with wireless handsets.  Hearing aids operate by using a microphone to pick up sound waves, converting the sound waves into electrical signals to be amplified.  Distortion or amplification of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs.

The FCC’s hearing aid compatibility requirements address hearing aids that operate in either of two modes – acoustic coupling (“M” rating) or inductive coupling (“T” rating).  Hearing aids operating in acoustic coupling mode receive through a microphone and then amplify all sounds surrounding the user, including both desired sounds, such as a telephone’s audio signal, and unwanted ambient noise.  Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noise, instead of using a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones.  The FCC’s “M” and “T” ratings indicate whether a handset can be expected to function well with a hearing aid and are generally marked clearly on the handset packaging.  The “M” or “T” rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise, so PTCI recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

Levels of Functionality

PTCI offers HAC-compatible handsets and devices in all major price categories, including low-cost (“C” level) (<$100), moderate-cost (“B” level”) ($100-$250), and high-end/feature-rich (“A” level) (>$250).  Costs generally correlate with the number of features, but, if through experience, PTCI finds that a certain handset contains features that work well with hearing aids, such as volume control, it will be labeled accordingly with an “A” level for functionality.  PTCI’s sales staff is trained to assist all existing and prospective customers looking for a HAC-compliant device/handset.  HAC-compatible handsets and devices vary in their inherent “levels of functionality,” but typically at least one (1) HAC-compliant handset/device with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer’s price range.

FCC

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Telephones: https://www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones

Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative

Gario Index: View website

 

 

Make Model HAC Rating FCC ID AI / FB WIFI Functionality
Samsung Galaxy S21 M3/T3 A3LSMG991U 600, 700, 800, 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2300, 2600 LTE SA, NSA, Sub6, mmWave5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Galaxy S21+ M3/T3 A3LSMG996U 600, 700, 800, 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2300, 2600 LTE SA, NSA, Sub6, mmWave5G Yes High End – Features
Alcatel Go Flip 3 M4/T4 2ACCJN032 850, 900, 1800, 1900 2G 850, 1700, 1900 3G 600, 700, 850, 1700, 1900, 2500, 2600 4G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 13 M3/T4 BCG-E3997A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/3700/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 13 Pro M3/T4 BCG-E4000A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 13 Mini M3/T4 BCG-E3994A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/3700/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max M3/T4 BCG-E4003A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Galaxy S22 M3/T3 A3LSMS901U 700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/ SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave 5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Galaxy S22+ M3/T3 A3LSM906U 700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/ SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave 5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra M3/T3 A3LSMS908U 700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/ SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone SE (2022) M3/T4 BCG-E4082A 600/700/750/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/3600/5500 LTE 600/700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/3500/3600/3700/4500 5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Z Flip 4 M3/T3 A3LSMF721U 600/700/750/850/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/3600/5500/ LTE 26/28/39/600/700/850/1700/1900/2300/2500/2600/3450/3600/3700 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 14 M3/T4 BCG-EB138A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2400/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/3700/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 14 Pro M3/T4 BCG-EB140A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2400/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/3700/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max M3/T4 BCG-EB141A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2400/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/3700/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Apple iPhone 14 Plus M3/T4 BCG-EB139A 600/700/800/850/900/1500/1700/1800/1900/2000/2100/2300/2400/2500/2600/3500/3700/4700/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/3500/3700/4700 5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Galaxy S23 M3/T3 A3LSMS911U 600/700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/3600/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/600/700/1700/1900/2100/2500/2600/3500 5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Galaxy S23+ M3/T3 A3LSMS916U 600/700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/3600/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/600/700/1700/2100/2500/2600/3500 5G Yes High End – Features
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra M3/T3 A3LSMS918U 600/700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2300/2500/2600/3600/5200/ LTE 26/28/39/600/700/1700/2100/2500/2600/3500 5G Yes High End – Features

Updated 3/1/2023