Hearing Disability Resources



C Spire strives to offer a wide selection of phones meeting the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) standards for wireless device use with hearing aids. The hearing aid compatibility ratings for the devices we offer are listed in the chart below.

Hearing Aid Compatible Devices

Level of
Functionality
Model HAC Rating FCC ID
Advanced Google Pixel 6a 5G* M3/T4 A4RGX7AS
Advanced Google Pixel 7* M3/T4 A4RGVU6C
Advanced Google Pixel 7 Pro* M3/T4 A4RGE2AE
Advanced Google Pixel 8a* †Conversational gain:
With hearing aid - 16.99dB
Without hearing aid - 18.5dB
A4RGKV4X
Advanced iPhone SE 2nd gen* M3/T4 BCG-3500A / BCG-3501A
Advanced iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022)* M3/T4 BCG-E4082A
Advanced iPhone X*, XR*, XS* and XS Max* M3/T4 BCG-E3220A
Advanced iPhone 11*, 11 Pro* and 11 Pro Max* M3/T4 BCG-E3309A, BCG-E3305A, BCG-E3306A
Advanced iPhone 12 mini*, 12*, 12 Pro* and 12 Pro Max* M3/T3 BCG-E3542A, BCG-E3543A, BCG-E3545A, BCG-E3548A
Advanced iPhone 13 mini*, 13*, 13 Pro* and 13 Pro Max* M3/T4 BCG-E3994A, BCG-E3997A, BCG-E4000A, BCG-E4003A
Advanced iPhone 14*, 14 Plus*, 14 Pro* and 14 Pro Max* M3/T4 BCG-E8138A, BCG-E8139A, BCG-E8140A, BCG-E8141A
Advanced iPhone 15*, 15 Plus*, 15 Pro* and 15 Pro Max* M3/T4 BCG-E8427A, BCG-E8431A, BCG-E8435A, BCG-E8439A
Advanced iPhone 16*, 16 Plus*, 16 Pro* and 16 Pro Max* †Conversational gain:
With hearing aid - 13dB
Without hearing aid - 18dB
BCG-E8688A, BCG-E8692A, BCG-E8666A, BCG-E8684A
Advanced Samsung Galaxy A53 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMA536U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy A54 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMA546U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy A71 5G* M4/T3 A3LSMA716U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G* and 20 Ultra 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMN981U / A3LSMN986U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S20 FE* M4/T3 A3LSMG781U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S21 5G*, S21+ 5G* and S21 Ultra 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMG991U, A3LSMG996U, A3LSMG998U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMG990U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S22 5G*, S22+ 5G*, S22 Ultra 5G* and S22 Ultra S Pen M3/T3 A3LSMS901U, A3LSMS906U, A3LSMS908U, A3LEJPS908
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S23 5G*, S23+ 5G*, S23 Ultra 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMS911U, A3LSMS916U, A3LSMS918U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S24 5G* †Conversational gain:
With hearing aid - 15dB
Without hearing aid - 19dB
A3LSMS921U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S24+ 5G* †Conversational gain:
With hearing aid - 9dB
Without hearing aid - 11dB
A3LSMS926U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G* †Conversational gain:
With hearing aid - 18dB
Without hearing aid - 21dB
A3LEJPS928U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMF711U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMF721U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMF731U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMF926U
Advanced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMF936U
Average Moto G Stylus* M3/T3 IHDT56YN2
Average Samsung Galaxy A03s* M3/T3 ZCASMA037U
Average Samsung Galaxy A12* M3/T3 A3LSMA125U
Average Samsung Galaxy A13 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMA136U
Average Samsung Galaxy A14 5G* M3/T3 ZCASMA146U
Average Samsung Galaxy A15 5G* †Conversational gain:
With hearing aid - 18dB
Without hearing aid - 21dB
A3LSMA156U
Average Samsung Galaxy A21* M4/T3 ZCASMA215U
Average Samsung Galaxy A32 5G* M3/T3 A3LSMA326U
Average TCL 50XL NXTPAPER 5G* †Conversational gain:
With hearing aid - 16.15dB
Without hearing aid - 20.57dB
Using telecoil coupling capability
2ACCJH181
Average TCL Stylus 5G* M3/T3 2ACCJN058
Basic ANS F30* M4/T4 2ALZM-F30
Basic moto g 5G* M3/T4 IHDT56AQ3
Basic Samsung Galaxy A02s* M3/T3 ZCASMA025U
Basic TCL 30 Z* M4/T3 2ACCJH152
Basic TCL Flip 2* M4/T4 2ACCJN059
Basic TCL ION* M3/T3 2ACCJH167

Some phones may not be available with all plans. Compatible phone and plan information is available by viewing Phones and Plans.

†Denotes a hearing-aid compatible handset with conversational gains listed in decibels for use with and without a hearing aid

*These phones have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that they use. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in these phones that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of the 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 the phone for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer. Please review the C Spire return and exchange policy.

C Spire also offers certain devices that are teletypewriter (TTY) compatible for hearing and/or speech impaired customers. TTY compatible devices do not support Wi-Fi calling, which include 911 calls. Customers using a TTY device may only reach a 911 service by: (1) using a TTY over a wireless network or landline telephone, (2) using relay services to place a TTY or captioned telephone service (CTS) call from a wireless telephone over a wireless network or landline telephone, or to place an IP Relay or IP CTS call over a wireless data or other IP network. For more information regarding these services, call 1-855-CSPIRE5 (277-4735).

Level of Functionality Descriptions:

Advanced - (MSRP - at least $300) Phones classified as "advanced" generally offer enhanced features such as a higher-quality camera, multiple Bluetooth® profiles, Internet access, high-speed processing, a touch-screen interface, email or a Windows Mobile® operating system.

Average - (MSRP - $150 - $299.99) Phones classified as "average" generally offer lower-quality cameras (compared to advanced models), handsfree and headset Bluetooth® profiles, expandable memory, larger phone book capacity, an enhanced color display or increased talk time (over basic models). However, these phones offer fewer features than advanced models.

Basic - (MSRP - $149.99 or less) Phones classified as "basic" offer the necessary wireless features and may have a lower-quality camera and limited Bluetooth® or Internet capabilities. Typically, these phones offer smaller phone book capacity and average talk time. Most of these phones are generally larger in size compared to more advanced models and lack features such as MP3 players, expandable memory and download capabilities.

To learn more about the accessibility features of mobile devices, visit the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative website. To learn more about federal hearing aid compatibility requirements, visit the FCC's Hearing Aid Compatibility for Wireless Telephones webpage.

Revised September 25, 2024


Frequently Asked Questions

What does hearing aid compatibility (HAC) mean for wireless devices?

 

The FCC defines HAC for wireless devices in terms of two parameters: radio frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling. Wireless devices that comply with the FCC's hearing aid compatibility rule must receive a minimum rating of M3 for RF emissions and T3 for telecoil coupling.

 

What does the "M" rating mean?

 

"M" refers to the RF emission level of the device, and means that the device is intended for use with hearing aids in microphone mode. The higher the "M" rating for a device, the more likely it can be used with a hearing aid on the microphone setting.

 

What does the "T" rating mean?

 

"T" refers to the device's telecoil coupling ability, and means that the device is intended for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode. The higher the "T" rating for a device, the more likely the device can be used with a hearing aid on the telecoil setting.

A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. To use the telecoil, generally either the hearing aid is switched to the "T" position or a button on the hearing aid is pushed to select the telecoil program. Some newer hearing aids will automatically switch to telecoil mode when using a phone. The telecoil picks up magnetic fields generated by telephones and converts these fields into sound. Telecoils are particularly useful for telephone communication because they permit the volume control of a hearing aid to be turned up without creating feedback or "whistling," and background noise can be reduced especially when using wireless devices in noisy places. A hearing health professional can determine whether a hearing aid contains a telecoil and how it is activated.

 

How do I know if a wireless device is HAC compliant?

 

HAC-compliant devices and their ratings are listed in the chart above. Also, HAC-compliant device packages are marked with "M3" or "M4" ratings. The "M" rating refers to the microphone mode. Only phones that meet HAC compliance will be labeled as such. Every individual's hearing loss in unique; therefore, these ratings do not guarantee performance.

 

Do the HAC ratings guarantee that I will be able to use a wireless device with my hearing aid?

 

While there is no guarantee, wireless devices that comply with HAC regulations should improve usability for hearing aid wearers. Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized so it is advisable to consult with your audiologist or hearing healthcare professional before making your wireless device purchase.

 

How do I know if my hearing aid will work with my wireless device?

 

Your hearing healthcare professional will be able to tell you if your hearing aid is immune to RF interference and may need to contact the manufacturer of your hearing aid to determine its immunity rating.

 

Can I try a wireless device to determine if it works with my hearing aid?

 

Yes, our return and exchange policy allows ample time to determine if a wireless device works with your hearing aid.

 

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