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Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) regulations for Mobile
Phones
In 2003, the FCC adopted rules to make digital wireless telephones compatible with hearing aids and
cochlear implants. Although analog wireless phones do not usually cause interference with hearing aids
or cochlear implants, digital wireless phones sometimes do because of electromagnetic energy emitted by
the phone's antenna, backlight, or other components. Your phone is compliant with FCC HAC regulations
(ANSI C63.19- 2011). While some wireless phones are used near some hearing devices (hearing aids
and cochlear implants), users may detect a buzzing, humming, or whining noise. Some hearing devices
are more immune than others to this interference noise and phones also vary in the amount of
interference they generate. The wireless telephone industry has developed a rating system for wireless
phones to assist hearing device users in finding phones that may be compatible with their hearing devices.
Not all phones have been rated. Phones that are rated have the rating on their box or a label located on
the box. The ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user's hearing device and
hearing loss. If your hearing device happens to be vulnerable to interference, you may not be able to use
a rated phone successfully. Trying out the phone with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for
your personal needs.
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.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference
to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
T-Ratings: Phones 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 phones. T4 is the better/ higher
of the two ratings. (Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them.)
Your phone meets the M4/T3 level rating.
Hearing devices may also be rated. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional
may help you find this rating. For more information about FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility, please go to
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