Information For Customers That Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing

Hearing Aid Compatible Phones

Last updated August 30, 2019


Some people that use hearing aid devices may experience difficulties when using a wireless phone. The wireless industry and consumer groups representing the hard of hearing have been working for years to study this matter and develop standards and solutions to reduce the likelihood of such difficulties. In addition the Federal Communications Commission has set forth requirements for wireless carriers and the wireless device manufacturers. Much progress has been made and there are now a large number of hearing aid compatible (HAC) devices available to customers.

To see a list of hearing aid compatible devices from Senior.com's Cellular Phones, click here.

There are two different ratings to consider when picking a hearing aid compatible device:


M-Ratings

Reduced Hearing Aid Device Interference

Some people with a hearing aid device experience a buzzing or whining noise when using a wireless phone. This noise is caused when the electronics within the hearing aid device pick up and demodulate radio frequency (RF) and/or electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted by the phone.

Phones with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference to 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 this type of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you find results for your hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you are to experience interference noise from mobile phones and other sources of RF/EMI such as computer monitors and florescent lighting.


T-Ratings

Compatible with Hearing Aids with Telecoils

A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Not all hearing aids have telecoils.

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. More information about hearing aid compatible cell phones can be found here.


Try Before You Buy

Because user experiences are varied and highly individualized, Senior.com's Cellular Phones recommends customers try several hearing aid compatible phones to determine which phones will work best for them.

Manufacturer Model Mx Tx
Alcatel A30 M4 T4
Alcatel A30 Plus M4 T4
Apple iPhone 4 M4 T4
Apple iPhone 5 M4 T4
Apple iPhone 5C M3 T4
Apple iPhone 5S M3 T4
Apple iPhone 6 M3 T4
Apple iPhone 6 Plus M3 T4
Apple iPhone 6S M3 T4
Apple iPhone 7 M3 T4
Apple iPhone SE M3 T4
Apple iPhone 8 M3 T4
Apple iPhone X M3 T4
Apple iPhone XS M3 T4
Apple iPhone XR M3 T4
HTC 6330 Rhyme M4 T4
HTC 6525 One M8 M4 T3
HTC 6535 One M9 M4 T4
Kyocera Cadence S2720 M4 T4
LG VN220 M3 T4
LG VN251 M4 T4
LG VS415 M3 T3
LG VS880 G Vista M4 T4
LG VW820 Lancet M3 T4
Motorola XT1254 Droid Turbo M4 T3
Pantech ADR910 Marauder M4 T3
Pantech ADR930 Perception M3 T3
Samsung B3111 Gusto 3 M3 T4
Samsung G360 Galaxy Core Prime M3 T4
Samsung G900 Galaxy S5 M3 T3
Samsung Galaxy S6 M3 T3
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge M4 T3
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge M4 T3
Samsung I110 Illusion M4 -
Samsung I500 Fascinate M4 -
Samsung U360 Gusto M4 T4
Samsung U365 M4 T4
Samsung Galaxy S7 M4 T3
Samsung Galaxy S8 M4 T3
Samsung SM-G960U1-W (S9) M4 T3
ZTE 233 Cymbal M4 T4