Some people who use hearing aid devices may have trouble 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 wireless device manufacturers. Much progress has been made, and there are now a large number of hearing aid compatible (HAC) devices available.
There are two different ratings to consider when picking a hearing aid compatible device:
- M-Ratings which reduce hearing aid device interference
- T-Ratings for telecoil compatible hearing aids
M-Ratings
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 with hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better or 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 from mobile phones and other RF/EMI sources such as computer monitors and fluorescent lighting.
T-Ratings
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.
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 or higher of the two ratings.
Compatible phones
The following phones are hearing aid compatible. Ting offers phones with different types of operating systems, which offer different features and functionalities.
| Phone | FCC ID | M Rating | T Rating | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | BCG-E4003A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone 13 Pro | BCG-E4000A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone 13 | BCG-E3997A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone 13 mini | BCG-E3994A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone 12 | BCG-E3542A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone 12 mini | BCG-E3539A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone 11 | BCG-E3309A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone SE | BCG-E3500A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| iPhone 8 | BCG-E3159A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
| Samsung S21 5G | A3LSMG991U | 3 | 3 | Android |
| Samsung S20 5G | A3LSMG986U | 4 | 3 | Android |
| Samsung A32 5G | A3LSMA326U | 3 | 3 | Android |
| Samsung A12 | A3LSMA125U | 3 | 3 | Android |
| Samsung A02s | ZCASMA025V | 4 | 3 | Android |
| moto g power | IHDT56ZG1 | 3 | 3 | Android |
| moto g play | IHDT56ZD3 | 3 | 3 | Android |
| moto e | IHDT56YQ1 | 4 | 3 | Android |
| TCL Flip | 2ACCJN048 | 3 | 3 | KaiOS 3.0 |
(last updated January 31, 2022)
Our phones incorporate new technology that may not yet be tested for hearing aid compatibility, and when they do, you’ll see the following information included with that phone:
This phone has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in this phone that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of this phone 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 this phone for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.
Additional information
For additional information regarding hearing aid compatibility:
- Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative: Visit GARI for in-depth Accessibility information on each device Ting sells.
- FCC Information on Hearing Aid Compatibility for Wireless Phones
- Choosing a cell phone that works for you