About Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements for iPhone
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted hearing-aid compatibility (HAC) requirements for digital wireless phones. Learn about hearing-aid compatibility under FCC rules for iPhone devices and learn about using iPhone with hearing aids.
Most iPhone devices are hearing-aid compatible with a broad range of hearing aids under the FCC requirements for hearing-aid compatibility (HAC). You can use Made for iPhone hearing aids with many iPhone models as well.
Find information about the hearing-aid compatibility of iPhone devices below. If you're not sure, find out which iPhone model you have.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
Model | Model # | ANSI C63.19 Version | HAC Rating1 | Compatible with Made for iPhone Hearing Aids2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
iPhone 16 Pro | A3083 | Compliance through waiver DA 23-914 | Not applicable to 2019 ANSI C63.19 | Yes |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | A3084 | Compliance through waiver DA 23-914 | Not applicable to 2019 ANSI C63.19 | Yes |
iPhone 16 | A3081 | Compliance through waiver DA 23-914 | Not applicable to 2019 ANSI C63.19 | Yes |
iPhone 16 Plus | A3082 | Compliance through waiver DA 23-914 | Not applicable to 2019 ANSI C63.19 | Yes |
iPhone 15 Pro | A2848 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 15 Pro Max | A2849 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 15 | A2846 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 15 Plus | A2847 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 14 Pro | A2650 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 14 Pro Max | A2651 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 14 | A2649 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 14 Plus | A2632 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone SE (3rd generation) | A2595 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 13 Pro | A2483 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 13 Pro Max | A2484 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 13 | A2482 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 13 mini | A2481 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 12 Pro | A2341 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 12 Pro Max | A2342 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 12 | A2172 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 12 mini | A2176 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone SE (2nd generation) | A2275, A2296 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 11 Pro | A2160 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 11 Pro Max | A2161 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 11 | A2111 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone Xs | A1920 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone Xs Max | A1921 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone XR | A1984 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone X | A1865, A1901 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 8 | A1863, A1905 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 8 Plus | A1864, A1897 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 74 | A1660, A1778, A1779 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 7 Plus4 | A1661, A1784, A1785 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone SE (1st generation)4 | A1662, A1723 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 6s4 | A1633, A1688 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 6s Plus4 | A1634, A1687 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes |
iPhone 64 | A1549, A1586 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes3 |
iPhone 6 Plus4 | A1522, A1524 | 2011 | M3, T4 | Yes3 |
Based on testing conducted by an independent laboratory following the ANSI standard C63.19-2011, "American National Standard for Methods of Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless Communications Devices and Hearing Aids."
Requires iOS 7 or later and a Made for iPhone Hearing Aid. Please confirm support for your model iPhone with your hearing aid manufacturer.
With Hearing Aid mode activated (iOS 5 and later, see below for more information).
Does not support iOS 16 or later.
Learn what the HAC ratings mean
The FCC hearing aid compatibility rules require that certain phones be tested and rated under the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) C63.19 hearing-aid compatibility standards. The 2011 ANSI standard for hearing-aid compatibility contains two types of ratings:
M: For reduced radio-frequency interference to enable acoustic coupling with hearing aids that don’t operate in telecoil mode
T: For inductive coupling with hearing aids operating in telecoil mode
These ratings are on a scale from one to four, where four is the most compatible. A phone is considered hearing-aid compatible under the FCC requirements if it's rated M3 or M4 for acoustic coupling and T3 or T4 for inductive coupling.
The 2019 ANSI C63.19 standard does not use this rating system.
Hearing-aid compatibility ratings aren't a guarantee that a particular hearing aid works well with a particular phone. Some hearing aids might work well with phones that do not meet the FCC requirements for Hearing Aid Compatibility. To ensure that a particular hearing aid works well with a particular phone, use them together before purchasing.
About Hearing Aid Compatibility and newer wireless technologies
Each iPhone with a HAC rating has been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in the phone that haven't 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.
Get the best experience with a hearing aid
Cellular telephones contain radio transmitters that may interfere with hearing aid performance. To ensure that a particular hearing aid works well with a particular phone, use them together before making a purchase. If you already own an iPhone and a hearing aid, here are some tips to ensure that you have the best experience possible.
iPhone and hearing aids generally work best together in "M" or Acoustic Coupling mode. To use your hearing aid in this mode, make sure that your hearing aid is set to "M," or Acoustic Coupling mode, and position the iPhone receiver near the hearing aid’s built-in microphone (or microphones). In other words, hold your iPhone against your head as you would naturally hold the phone when making a telephone call. The hearing aid will receive audio from the iPhone through its built-in microphones. For the best results, try using the iPhone in different positions relative to your hearing aid—for example, placing the receiver slightly above the ear may result in better performance for hearing aids with microphones positioned behind the ear. If you have an iPhone 4 (GSM model), activate Hearing Aid Compatibility (see below).
If Acoustic Coupling does not produce a satisfactory result, try using your hearing aid in "T," or telecoil coupling mode. To use your hearing aid in this mode, make sure that your hearing aid is set to "T," or telecoil coupling mode (not all hearing aids have this mode). If you have an iPhone 5 or later, activate Hearing Aid Compatibility (see below).
Activate Hearing Aid Compatibility
To activate Hearing Aid Compatibility on an iPhone with iOS 13 or later, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices. On these iPhone models, Hearing Aid Compatibility modifies the phone’s acoustic settings to improve compatibility with hearing aids set in "T" or telecoil mode.
If you have an iPhone 6 or earlier, you can activate Hearing Aid Mode. To activate Hearing Aid Mode, go to Settings > General > Accessibility. Hearing Aid Mode reduces the transmission power of the cellular radio in the GSM 1900 MHz band, which may result in decreased 2G cellular coverage.
About Made for iPhone hearing aids
Apple has worked with top manufacturers to create hearing aids designed specifically for iPhone. These hearing aids deliver a power-efficient, high-quality digital audio experience and allow you to manage your hearing aid right from your iPhone. Made for iPhone hearing aids also feature Live Listen.
List of Made for iPhone hearing devices
Use Made for iPhone hearing devices
"Bridge" accessories for audio streaming
Some hearing-aid manufacturers offer special "bridge" hearing-aid accessories that receive audio through Bluetooth from the iPhone and retransmit that audio using proprietary wireless audio-streaming technologies built in to some hearing aids. Check with your audiologist or hearing-aid manufacturer for more information.
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.
