Hearing Aid Compatibility
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented rules and a rating system for Hearing aid-compatible (HAC) devices designed to enable people who wear hearing aids to use these wireless telecommunications devices more effectively. The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) sets the standards for compatibility of digital wireless phones with hearing aids – ANSI standard C63.19.
Previously, two sets of ANSI standards, an “M” rating for reducing interference making it easier to use the hearing aid microphone, and a “T” rating for reducing unwanted background noise. As both hearing aid and device technology has improved, to be considered “good” or “excellent,” wireless devices are expected to have a T3, T4 or M3, M4 rating.
Information about Hearing Aid Compatibility rules, can be found on the FCC’s website at:
https://www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones