Some people who use hearing aid devices may find using a wireless phone challenging. Advocates in the wireless industry and consumer groups have been working for years to develop standards and solutions to reduce difficulties that the hard-of-hearing can face. In addition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set requirements for wireless carriers and wireless device manufacturers. There are now a large number of hearing-aid compatible (HAC) devices available.
Compatible Phones
The phone table below lists current or recent phones offered by Ting certified under the 2011 ANSI Standard. Ting does not currently offer phones certified under the 2019 ANSI Standard. Since our inventory is constantly updated, the phone model that is listed may not be available when you try to find it for purchase. Please be aware that phones unavailable for purchase will not be available for testing.
| Phone | Model | FCC ID | M Rating | T Rating | Operating System |
| Samsung A23 | SM-A236U | A3LSMA326U | 3 | 3 | Android |
| Samsung A03s | SM-A037U | ZCASMA037U | 3 | 3 | Android |
| moto e | XT2052-1 | IHDT56YQ1 | 4 | 3 | Android |
| TCL Flip 5 | 4056W | 2ACCJN048 | 4 | 4 | KaiOS 3.0 |
| iPhone 11 | A2111 | BCG-E3309A | 3 | 4 | iOS |
*Last updated August 30, 2024.
Device Compatibility Ratings
When selecting a device that can be used with hearing aids, it is important to check whether it is compatible with your hearing aids. Two standards are used to test the compatibility of devices: the 2011 ANSI Standard and the newer 2019 ANSI Standard. However, since the 2019 ANSI Standard is relatively new, most devices currently available in the market are certified under the 2011 ANSI Standard.
The 2011 ANSI Standard
The 2011 Standard includes two ratings that you should consider while choosing a phone: the M-Rating and T-Rating. If a phone has a 3 or 4 M-Rating and a 3 or 4 T-Rating, it is considered to be compatible with hearing aids.
M-Ratings measure reduced hearing aid device interference.
Some individuals with a hearing aid device may experience a buzzing or whining noise when using a wireless phone.
- Phones labeled with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to cause interference with hearing devices than phones without this label, with M4 being the higher rating.
- Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to certain types of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you find immunity results for your hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is to this interference, the less likely you will experience interference from mobile phones or from other sources like computer monitors or fluorescent lighting.
T-Ratings measure compatibility with hearing aids that have telecoils.
A telecoil is a small device built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Not all hearing aids have telecoils. The T-Rating measures the device’s effectiveness with a telecoil.
- Phones with a T-Rating of T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are more likely to work well for people who use hearing aids with telecoils. T4 is the higher of the two ratings.
The 2019 ANSI Standard
If a device meets the 2019 ANSI Standard for hearing aid compatibility, it will be labeled as "Hearing Aid Compatible" or "HAC." The 2019 ANSI Standard also requires volume controls to be included, so that users can use the device with or without a hearing aid.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding hearing aid compatibility:
- Ting Return and Replacement FAQ
- Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative: Visit GARI for in-depth Accessibility information on each device Ting sells.
- FCC Information on Hearing Aid Compatibility for Wireless Phones
- Choosing a cell phone that works for you