Hear 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.

ANSI Standards

Wireless handsets demonstrate Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) by complying with technical standards adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which are periodically updated to account for new wireless frequencies and technologies. The HAC-rated handsets we offer meet either the 2011 ANSI Standard or the 2019 ANSI Standard.

• 2011 ANSI Standard. The 2011 ANSI Standard uses “M” and “T” ratings of 1 through 4 to indicate a device’s ability to operate near a hearing aid without causing interference. M ratings refer to a device’s ability to reduce interference to hearing aids operating in acoustic coupling mode, whereas T ratings refer to device’s ability to reduce interference to hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode (i.e., with a telecoil, which not all hearing aids have). Higher M or T ratings indicate a reduced likelihood that the device will interfere with a nearby hearing aid. Devices rated under the 2011 ANSI Standard are rated M3 and T3 or better.

• 2019 ANSI Standard. Devices that meet the 2019 ANSI Standard for hearing aid compatibility have no M or T ratings. Rather, they are instead labelled as “Hearing Aid Compatible” or “HAC” and are the equivalent of a M3/T3 rating or better. Devices meeting the 2019 ANSI Standard also include volume control capabilities that allow for sound levels sufficient for operation with and without a hearing aid.

The listed handsets here have been HAC tested and rated under the 2011 ANSI Standard or the 2019 ANSI Standard.

FCC

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

Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative

GARI Index: View website