Hearing Aid Compatible Phones: How to Check Compatibility Before You Buy

People with hearing aids search for hearing aid compatible phones when they are buying a new phone and want to avoid interference, dropped calls, or the frustration of discovering their hearing aids do not work with the device they just bought. Hearing aid compatibility (HAC) is a defined technical standard enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), not a marketing term. Here is what the ratings mean, how the rules are changing, and what to check before you buy.

What hearing aid compatible means under FCC rules

Hearing aid compatible, in the FCC's definition, means a mobile phone meets technical standards for:

• Acoustic coupling (shown as M ratings on older phones): reduced radio frequency interference when you hold the phone to your ear while your hearing aid is in microphone mode.
• Inductive coupling (shown as T ratings on older phones): compatibility with telecoils (T-coils) in hearing aids, which pick up magnetic signals from the phone's audio.
• Bluetooth coupling (added by the October 2024 rules, applying after the transition periods): a wireless link between hearing aids and phones for streaming calls and media.

The FCC's hearing aid compatibility rules apply to handsets used for digital mobile service, which includes terrestrial two-way real-time voice services such as cellular telephony and voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) handsets that provide interconnected or non-interconnected VoIP service (47 CFR 20.19(a)).

For background on Bluetooth Classic, LE Audio, and Auracast in hearing aids, see our Bluetooth and Auracast guide. That article covers streaming and broadcast audio; this one focuses on phone compatibility and FCC compliance.

M and T ratings: legacy compatibility ratings on older phones

M ratings (acoustic coupling)

M ratings are legacy compatibility ratings from ANSI C63.19-2011 and earlier versions, found on older phones. M ratings measure how much radio frequency interference a phone generates when you hold it to your ear while your hearing aid is in microphone (acoustic) mode. The scale runs from M1 (poor) to M4 (best):

• M1 and M2: Not hearing aid compatible under FCC rules. High interference; not recommended.
• M3: Hearing aid compatible. Meets the minimum standard for reduced interference.
• M4: Hearing aid compatible. Better performance than M3; less interference and stronger signal.

Under older versions of the standard, a phone rated M3 or M4 was considered hearing aid compatible for acoustic coupling. The current technical standard is ANSI C63.19-2019, "American National Standard Methods of Measurement of Compatibility Between Wireless Communication Devices and Hearing Aids," which the FCC adopted in February 2021 and became the sole certification standard on December 5, 2023 (FDA recognized standard 4-277, listed for hearing aids under 21 CFR 874.3300, 874.3305, and 874.3325). Phones certified under ANSI C63.19-2019 do not receive assigned M or T ratings. Instead, the label states whether the handset is HAC-certified, whether it meets telecoil or Bluetooth coupling, and its conversational gain.

T ratings (telecoil coupling)

T ratings are legacy compatibility ratings from ANSI C63.19-2011 and earlier versions, found on older phones. T ratings measure how well a phone works with the telecoil (T-coil) in a hearing aid. Telecoils pick up magnetic signals directly from the phone, bypassing acoustic interference. The scale runs from T1 (poor) to T4 (best):

• T1 and T2: Not hearing aid compatible for telecoil use under FCC rules.
• T3: Hearing aid compatible for telecoil use. Meets the minimum standard.
• T4: Hearing aid compatible for telecoil use. Better performance than T3.

T ratings matter only if your hearing aid has a telecoil and you plan to use it with the phone. Not all hearing aids include telecoils; smaller styles (CIC, IIC) usually do not. Phones certified under ANSI C63.19-2019 do not receive assigned T ratings. Instead, the label states whether the handset meets telecoil coupling. For details on which hearing aid styles support telecoils and other features, see our types of hearing aids guide.

Conversational gain

The FCC's October 2024 rules require volume control standards for every new handset model added after the transition periods. The standard is ANSI C63.19-2019, which specifies conversational gain (how much the phone can amplify audio while remaining compliant). Older certified models may remain on sale during the transition. Manufacturers and carriers must disclose conversational gain at the point of sale (FCC Report and Order 24-112).

FCC rules: the path to 100% hearing aid compatibility by 2028

Before the October 2024 rules

Before the October 2024 rules, the FCC required a percentage of each manufacturer's and carrier's phone models to be hearing aid compatible, but not 100%. The new rules eliminate that partial requirement and mandate universal compatibility.

The October 2024 Report and Order (FCC 24-112)

On October 17, 2024, the FCC adopted Report and Order FCC 24-112, "Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility" (WT Docket No. 23-388). The order was published in the Federal Register on November 13, 2024, and took effect on December 13, 2024. The key changes:

• 100% HAC requirement: After transition periods, all new mobile handsets offered for sale in the United States must be hearing aid compatible.
• Transition periods (47 CFR 20.19(c)):
  • Handset manufacturers: 24 months after the effective date (applies after December 14, 2026).
  • Nationwide service providers: 30 months after the effective date (applies after June 14, 2027).
  • Non-nationwide service providers: 42 months after the effective date (applies after June 13, 2028).
• Bluetooth coupling requirement: Every model must meet acoustic coupling. 85% of a company's models must meet telecoil coupling. The remaining 15% must meet Bluetooth coupling. After December 13, 2028, only non-proprietary Bluetooth coupling (such as Bluetooth LE Audio) counts toward compliance. This requirement moves manufacturers away from proprietary Bluetooth coupling standards and toward interoperable standards.
• Volume control standards: All new handset models added after the transition periods must meet ANSI C63.19-2019 conversational gain requirements, ensuring clear audio at high volumes without distortion. Older certified models may remain on sale.
• Labeling and disclosure: Point-of-sale labeling must state whether a handset is certified as hearing aid compatible, whether it meets telecoil or Bluetooth coupling standards, and the device's conversational gain.
• Elimination of the de minimis exception: Section 20.19(e) of the FCC rules previously allowed an exception for manufacturers and carriers with a small number of handset models. The October 2024 rules eliminate that exception, applying after December 14, 2026 for manufacturers, June 14, 2027 for nationwide carriers, and June 13, 2028 for non-nationwide carriers.

Source: FCC Report and Order 24-112, "Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility," WT Docket No. 23-388, adopted October 17, 2024, released October 18, 2024. Federal Register publication, 89 FR 89832, effective December 13, 2024. Codified at 47 CFR 20.19. Press release: FCC Requires All Mobile Phones to be Hearing Aid-Compatible, October 17, 2024.

What this means for buyers

After December 14, 2026, manufacturers may offer only hearing aid-compatible handset models. Carriers follow after June 14, 2027 (nationwide carriers) and June 13, 2028 (smaller carriers). If you are buying a phone after those dates, new models from major manufacturers should meet the 100% HAC standard. If you are buying before then, check the phone's HAC certification before you buy. Older models may remain on sale during the transition.

Bluetooth coupling: Made for iPhone, Android ASHA, and LE Audio

Bluetooth streaming is separate from acoustic and telecoil coupling, but the FCC's October 2024 rules add Bluetooth coupling as a third option after the transition periods. Bluetooth LE Audio (Low Energy Audio) is a shared Bluetooth standard rather than a single company's protocol; Android 13 and later include built-in support. The FCC's Bluetooth coupling requirement is intended to move the industry toward interoperable standards like LE Audio and away from proprietary protocols. For details on Bluetooth Classic, LE Audio, and Auracast in hearing aids, see our Bluetooth and Auracast guide. For step-by-step instructions on pairing hearing aids to your phone, see our guide to pairing hearing aids to iPhone and Android.

What to check with your hearing aid maker

Bluetooth compatibility is hearing-aid-specific, not just phone-specific. Before you buy a phone, check your hearing aid manufacturer's compatibility list:

• Does your hearing aid support Made for iPhone, ASHA, LE Audio, or a combination?
• Is the phone model you are considering listed as compatible?
• Does your hearing aid require a firmware update to enable LE Audio or other Bluetooth features?

Most major hearing aid manufacturers publish compatibility lists on their websites. If your model is not listed, call the manufacturer's support line before you buy the phone.

How to check a phone's HAC rating before you buy

The FCC requires manufacturers and carriers to disclose hearing aid compatibility ratings at the point of sale. Here is where to look:

1. Check the box label

FCC rules require HAC information to be disclosed on the phone's packaging. Older phones may show M and T ratings (such as "M3," "M4," "T3," or "T4"). Under rules applying after December 14, 2026, labels must state whether the handset is HAC-certified, whether it meets telecoil or Bluetooth coupling, and its conversational gain. Phones certified under ANSI C63.19-2019 (the current standard, sole certification standard since December 5, 2023) follow this format. Look for this information on the box or in the product information insert.

2. Check the manufacturer's HAC page

Most major phone manufacturers maintain hearing aid compatibility pages listing their compliant models. Examples include:

• Apple: About Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements for iPhone
• Samsung: search Samsung's support site for its hearing aid compatibility page.
• Google Pixel: Hearing aid compatibility for Pixel phones

If the manufacturer does not list a model, that is a red flag. Ask before you buy.

3. Check your carrier's HAC device list

Major carriers are required to maintain lists of hearing aid compatible devices they offer. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile publish these lists on their accessibility pages. If buying from a carrier, ask to see the list before choosing a phone.

4. Check online specifications

If buying online, check the product page or specifications sheet. Reputable retailers list HAC information in the technical specifications section. If the information is not disclosed, contact customer service before purchasing.

5. Ask at the point of sale

FCC rules require disclosure at the point of sale, whether in-store or online. If the information is not visible, ask the salesperson or customer service representative. If they do not know, do not assume compatibility.

Practical steps before you buy a phone

Here is the sequence that avoids surprises:

1. Know your hearing aid's capabilities

Before you shop, confirm:

• Does your hearing aid have a telecoil? If yes, look for phones that meet telecoil coupling. Older phones may show T3 or T4 ratings; newer phones state whether they meet telecoil coupling on the label. If no telecoil, telecoil coupling does not matter.
• Does your hearing aid support Bluetooth? If yes, which standard (MFi, ASHA, LE Audio)?
• Is there a published compatibility list from your hearing aid manufacturer? Check it before you buy the phone.

Your audiologist or hearing aid provider can confirm these details if you are uncertain. For more on hearing aid features and styles, see our types of hearing aids guide and our how to choose hearing aids guide.

2. Test the phone in the store if possible

If you are buying in-store, bring your hearing aids and test the phone before you buy:

• Make a test call and hold the phone to your ear. Listen for interference, static, or dropped audio.
• If your hearing aid has a telecoil, switch to T-coil mode and test again.
• If the phone supports Bluetooth and your hearing aid does too, pair them and test call quality and media streaming.

3. Confirm with your audiologist

If you are uncertain whether a phone will work, bring the phone (or the model name) to your next audiology appointment. Your audiologist can test it with your hearing aids and confirm compatibility. Some clinics will test a phone you are considering even if you are not due for a fitting, especially if you call ahead.

4. Check the return policy

Even if a phone is HAC-certified or shows M3/M4 or T3/T4 ratings, individual results vary based on your hearing aid model, ear anatomy, and phone placement. Check the carrier's or retailer's return window before you buy, in case the phone does not work well with your hearing aids in real-world use.

Frequently asked questions