Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
There are two measures used to determine a handsets ability to be considered hearing aid compatible. Digital handsets have a specific rating based on their abilty to reduce interference with hearing aids operating in acoustic mode; this is M rating which is rated on a scale from M1-M4, M4 being the best.
Handsets are also rated from T1 to T4 based on their ability to operate with hearing aids that contain a telecoil (a tightly wrapped piece of wire that converts sound into electromagnetic signals) and operate in inductive coupling mode. The FCC considers handsets to be HAC if they are rated a minimum of M3 for acoustic coupling and T3 for inductive coupling.
More information can be found on the FCC’s website located here: https://www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones
To view information regarding hearing aid-compatible and non-hearing handset models, or, alternatively, a clearly marked list of hearing aid-compatible handset models that have been offered in the past 24 months, please view the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative’s website: https://www.gari.info
ASTAC’s device line up includes a variety of type with different capabilitys; these units are defined as follows:
Data Only – A device/handset that is able to only access the internet often enabling other connected devices to access the web
Smartphone – A device/handset that allows you to connect with others by talk, text, and web
Standard Devices – A device/handset that enables communication through talk and text; basic voice and texting capabilities and limited web browsing which is device specific
Tablet – A device/handset with mostly web capabilities which with certain applications can excel ones experience though video, voice, or messaging applications
Some handsets may be rated N/A, this indicates either it hasn’t been tested or the device doesn’t score high enough to establish a rank. If you would like to purchase a handset with a N/A rating, please test the device out to ensure it will work with your hearing aids. If you have questions related to our trial period, return policy, or HAC in general please speak with a Customer Experience Specialist.
Handsets with Wi-Fi calling capabilities may not have been tested for HAC in this calling mode.
List of HAC Devices at ASTAC
Last Updated 02/21/2024
