Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

July 31, 2024

HAC is best described when mobile phones and hearing devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants) are used together the result is buzzing, humming or whining noises that are detected by the user. Some hearing devices are more immune than others to this interference noise, and phones also vary in the amount of interference they generate.

The wireless telephone industry has developed two types of ratings for mobile phones to assist hearing device users in finding phones that may be compatible with their hearing devices.

M-Ratings
Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings

T-Ratings
Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing device’s telecoil.

Basic Phone
Basic Handsets are phones that typically provide voice calling and text messaging functionality as well as basic multimedia and internet capabilities.

Smartphone
Smartphones are mobile phones that perform many functions of a computer. Typically have a touch screen, can access the internet and have an operating system capable of running applications.

It is important to try the different features of any phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult with NVC or the manufacturer of the phone for information hearing aid compatibility.

For more information about phone accessibility features, as well as information about current and older phones, visit www.gari.info.

For additional information about hearing aid compatibility with digital wireless phones, visit www.fcc.gov/general/hearing-aid-compatibility-hac.

HAC Ratings