Illinois Valley Cellular offers a variety of Hearing Aid Compatible phone models to meet the needs of wireless users with hearing disabilities.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for wireless devices in terms of radio-frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling. Cell phones are tested to see if they comply with the FCC’s definition of hearing aid compatibility.

  • M-Ratings: Wireless devices rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than wireless devices that are not labeled. M4 is the better or higher of the two ratings.
  • T-Ratings: Wireless devices rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing device’s telecoil (“T Switch” or “Telephone Switch”) than unrated wireless devices. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. (Note that not all hearing devices have telecoils in them).

More Resources:

Information on hearing aid compatibility is available from the Federal Communications Commission at https://www.fcc.gov/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireless-telephones

General information regarding hearing aid-compatible and non-hearing aid compatible handset models is available at http://gari.info/

A listing of HAC handsets currently and recently offered by Illinois Valley Cellular can be found below.

*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.

Phones

MODEL NAME/NUMBER RATINGFCC ID
iPhone 13M3/T4BCG-E3997A
iPhone 13 ProM3/T4BCG-E4000A
iPhone 13 Pro MaxM3/T4BCG-E4003A
iPhone SE (2020)M3/T4BCG-E3500A
Orbic Journey RM3/T32ABGH-RC2250L
Samsung Galaxy S21 +M3/T3A3LSMG996U

M3/T3

M3/T4

M4/T3

M4/T4