About Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements for iPhone

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted hearing-aid compatibility (HAC) requirements for digital wireless phones. See the HAC ratings for iPhone devices that are hearing-aid compatible under FCC rules 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.

See the HAC ratings for hearing-aid compatible iPhone devices below. If you're not sure, find out which iPhone model you have.

Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) iPhone ratings

Model

Model #

HAC Rating1

Compatible with Made for iPhone Hearing Aids2

iPhone 15 Pro

A2848

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 15 Pro Max

A2849

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 15

A2846

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 15 Plus

A2847

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 14 Pro

A2650

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 14 Pro Max

A2651

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 14

A2649

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 14 Plus

A2632

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone SE (3rd generation)

A2595

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 13 Pro

A2483

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 13 Pro Max

A2484

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 13

A2482

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 13 mini

A2481

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 12 Pro

A2341

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 12 Pro Max

A2342

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 12

A2172

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 12 mini

A2176

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

A2275A2296

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 11 Pro

A2160

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 11 Pro Max

A2161

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 11

A2111

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone Xs

A1920

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone Xs Max

A1921

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone XR

A1984

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone X

A1865A1901

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 8

A1863A1905

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 8 Plus

A1864A1897

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 74

A1660A1778A1779

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 7 Plus4

A1661A1784A1785

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone SE (1st generation)4

A1662, A1723

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 6s4

A1633A1688

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 6s Plus4

A1634A1687

M3, T4

Yes

iPhone 64

A1549A1586

M3, T4

Yes3

iPhone 6 Plus4

A1522A1524

M3, T4

Yes3

1. Based on testing conducted by an independent laboratory following the ANSI standard C63.19, "American National Standard for Methods of Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless Communications Devices and Hearing Aids."

2. Requires iOS 7 or later and a Made for iPhone Hearing Aid. Please confirm support for your model iPhone with your hearing aid manufacturer.

3. With Hearing Aid mode activated (iOS 5 and later, see below for more information).

4. 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 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.

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.

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