Hearing Aid Compatible Phones: HAC Labels, M and T Levels and the 100% Rule
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of FCC hearing aid compatibility (HAC) consumer and rules pages and the FCC's October 2024 order, checked October 29, 2026. "Hearing aids" here includes cochlear implants, as in FCC usage.
The FCC says people with hearing aids often hear lots of unwanted noise on phones that aren't hearing aid compatible. Here's how to find one that works, for your own phone or for desk phones at work.
Desk phones (wireline)
Most wireline phones have been hearing aid compatible for decades. FCC rules require phones connected to the telephone network to provide an adequate range of volume, and phones that allow high volume must reset to a lower level when hung up. Since February 28, 2020, phones made or imported for use with VoIP service must be hearing aid compatible too. Look for the "HAC" label, usually on the bottom of the phone.
Mobile phones: labels and M/T levels
- 2019 ANSI standard: phones that meet it are simply labeled "hearing aid compatible." It adds a volume control requirement (called conversational gain) that helps people with hearing loss with or without hearing aids. The FCC began requiring new devices to meet it in December 2023.
- Older M and T levels are still on some phones. M1–M4 rates interference in acoustic (microphone) mode and T1–T4 rates telecoil mode, with 4 the best. M3 or T3 or better counts as hearing aid compatible.
Today, manufacturers and carriers offering six or more handset models must make at least 85% of them hearing aid compatible.
The 100% rule is coming
In October 2024 the FCC adopted rules requiring every handset model offered in the U.S. to be hearing aid compatible, after a transition. It applies:
| To | After |
|---|---|
| Handset manufacturers | December 14, 2026 |
| Nationwide service providers | June 14, 2027 |
| Other service providers | June 12, 2028 |
After the transition, every model must meet acoustic coupling standards, 85% must also meet telecoil standards, and the remaining 15% must meet a new Bluetooth coupling requirement. The FCC also revised point-of-sale labels to show telecoil or Bluetooth support and the handset's conversational gain.
How to shop
- The FCC says you have the right to test handsets in the store. Check the return policy and any restocking fees first.
- Look up a model's certification in the FCC's HAC filings: manufacturers file Form 655, carriers Form 855.
- Ask whether your hearing aid pairs over Bluetooth with the phone you're considering.
Also see text-to-911, wireless emergency alerts and phone systems for small businesses.