Cellular Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
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Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Devices
Hearing aids do not always function well with wireless handsets. Hearing aids operate by using a microphone to pick up sound waves, converting the sound waves into electrical signals to be amplified. Distortion or amplification of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs.
The FCC’s hearing aid compatibility requirements address hearing aids that operate in either of two modes – acoustic coupling (“M” rating) or inductive coupling (“T” rating).
- M-Ratings: Wireless devices rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than wireless devices that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
- T-Ratings: Wireless devices rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing device’s telecoil (“T Switch” or “Telephone Switch”) than unrated wireless devices. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. (Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them).
Hearing aids operating on acoustic coupling mode receive through a microphone and then amplify all sounds surrounding the user, including both desired sounds, such as a telephone’s audio signal, and unwanted ambient noise. Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noise, instead using a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones. The FCC’s “M” and “T” ratings indicate whether a handset can be expected to function well with a hearing aid and are generally marked clearly on the handset packaging. The “M” or “T” rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise, so Garden Valley Technolgies recommends that you test the handset before purchasing to make sure you are able to hear with little interference from your hearing aid or if you have severe hearing loss. GVT has a 30-day return or exchange policy, please call for details.
HAC Rating
Hearing Aid Compliant (HAC) Device Rating
As of January 1, 2022
| Phone | Rating |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 (128GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (256GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (128GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (256GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (128GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 13 (128GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro (256GB) | M3/T4 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (256GB) | M3/T4 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (128GB) | M3/T3 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (128GB) | M3/T3 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (128GB) | M3/T3 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (128GB) (Samsung G981) | M4/T3 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus (128GB) (Samsung G986) | M4/T3 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 (128GB) | M4/T3 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10e (128GB) | M4/T3 |
| Kyocera Dura | M4/T4 |
- This list is subject to change. To check the availability of these and other devices, give us a call at 800-448-8260.
- The HAC rating for a phone can also be found on its box or within the user manual.
Levels of Functionality
GVTC offers HAC-compatible handsets and devices in all major price categories, including low-cost (“C” level) (<$100), moderate-cost (“B” level) ($100-$250), and high-end/feature-rich (“A” level) (>$250). Costs generally correlate with the number of features. GVTC’s sales staff is trained to assist all existing and prospective customers looking for a HAC-compliant device/handset. HAC-compatible handsets and devices vary in their inherent “levels of functionality,” but typically at least one (1) HAC-compliant handset/device with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer’s price range.
