How To Choose a Cell Phone That Works With Hearing Aids

Choosing a new cell phone can feel overwhelming with so many options available. If you wear hearing loss, finding a phone that pairs well with your devices is especially important to ensure clear, interference-free calls.

Are Smartphones Compatible with Hearing Aids?

Yes—thanks to guidelines from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), all smartphones must be hearing aid compatible (HAC). This requirement makes it easier for individuals with hearing loss to find a phone that supports their hearing needs.

What Is the M Rating on Cell Phones?

Not all hearing aid-compatible phones are created equal. Some may still cause buzzing or interference. To avoid this, look for a phone’s M rating—a scale from 1 to 4 that measures microphone compatibility with hearing aids.

• M3 and M4-rated phones are considered good or excellent by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

• The higher the M rating, the better the phone will perform when your hearing aid is in microphone (M) mode.

Best Phones for Severe Hearing Loss: Consider Telecoils

For those with more advanced hearing loss, choose a phone and hearing aids that support telecoils. Telecoils bypass the microphone and transmit sound directly to your hearing aid’s processor, helping reduce background noise and improve call clarity.

Phones also have a T rating (1–4), which measures telecoil compatibility. Look for T3 or T4 for optimal performance.

Bluetooth® Hearing Aids and Smartphones

Many modern hearing aids feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream calls, music, and other audio directly from your phone into your hearing aids. This setup provides enhanced clarity and reduces the risk of feedback—whether you're at work or enjoying a walk through Dornwood Park.

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Need Help Choosing a Hearing Aid-Compatible Phone?

Contact Topeka Ear Nose & Throat to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers.