The 2011 Standard includes two ratings that you should consider while choosing a phone: the M-Rating and T-Rating. If a phone has a 3 or 4 M-Rating and a 3 or 4 T-Rating, it is considered to be compatible with hearing aids.

M-Ratings measure reduced hearing aid device interference.

Some individuals with a hearing aid device may experience a buzzing or whining noise when using a wireless phone.

• Phones labeled with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to cause interference with hearing devices than phones without this label, with M4 being the higher rating.
• Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to certain types of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you find immunity results for your hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is to this interference, the less likely you will experience interference from mobile phones or from other sources like computer monitors or fluorescent lighting.

T-Ratings measure compatibility with hearing aids that have telecoils.

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. The T-Rating measures the device’s effectiveness with a telecoil.

• 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 higher of the two ratings.

If a device meets the 2019 ANSI Standard for hearing aid compatibility, it will be labeled as "Hearing Aid Compatible" or "HAC." The 2019 ANSI Standard also requires volume controls to be included, so that users can use the device with or without a hearing aid.

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