Device Accessibility

Hearing Aid Compatibility

Cellcom offers hearing aid compatible (HAC) handsets and devices in all major price categories. Costs generally correlate with the number of features, but, if through experience, Cellcom finds that a certain handset contains features that work well with hearing aids, such as volume control, it will be labeled accordingly at the "high-end/feature-rich" level for functionality. Cellcom's sales staff is trained to assist all existing and prospective customers looking for a HAC-compliant device/handset. HAC handsets and devices vary in their inherent "levels of functionality", but typically at least one (1) HAC-compliant handset/device with features and services typical of its price category can be found that meets each customer's price range.

The hearing aid compatible wireless devices offered by Cellcom meet either the 2011 ANSI Standard or the 2019 ANSI Standard.

  • 2011 ANSI Standard uses an M/T rating system to categorize a device’s ability to operate near a hearing aid without causing interference. To be considered compatible, the devices need to rate an M3/M4 and T3/T4. Devices will not be listed as compatible if they do not meet this rating. See below for additional details on these categorizations.
  • 2019 ANSI Standard does not have M or T ratings. Devices that meet this standard are simply labelled as Hearing Aid Compatible or HAC, which means they will operate at the equivalent of the M3/T3 rating or better. Devices that meet the 2019 ANSI Standard also include volume control capabilities and this information will be reflected in the rating.

You can review the HAC rating below or on each device page.

Basic Phone

Basic phones are phones that allow users to perform basic functions such as make and receive calls and send and receive text messages. Some basic phones can also web browse, email and may have a basic camera (1 to 2 mega pixels). Basic phones work mostly on 4G networks.

Smartphone

Smartphones are phones that are powered by operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, etc. A smartphone allows users to perform a variety of functions: voice, messaging, web browsing, email, video, camera, application downloads, and more. They operate on 4G and 5G networks.

What does "M" mean?

"M" refers to using the phone with a hearing aid in the microphone setting. The higher the "M" rating, the more likely it is you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the microphone setting. A M3 rating indicates the handset has satisfied the ANSI standard. A M4 rating indicates the handset has exceeded the ANSI standard.

What does "T" mean?

"T" refers to using the hearing aid set on telecoil. The higher the "T" number the more likely you will be able to use the phone with your hearing aid on the telecoil setting. Reduced feedback and reduced background noise are additional benefits of using a hearing aid set on telecoil during phone use. Once mobile phones are rated for telecoil use, to determine the likelihood of successful cell phone use with your hearing aid add the "T" rating number of the cell phone to the "T" rating number of your hearing aid. A T3 rating indicates the handset has satisfied the ANSI standard. A T4 rating indicates the handset has exceeded the ANSI standard.

Smartphones

Device Rating FCC ID
Apple iPhone 16 This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 16dB (with hearing aid) and 18dB (without hearing aid). BCG-E8688A
Apple iPhone 16 Plus This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 16dB (with hearing aid) and 18dB (without hearing aid).
Apple iPhone 16 Pro This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 16dB (with hearing aid) and 18dB (without hearing aid). BCG-E8666A
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 16dB (with hearing aid) and 18dB (without hearing aid). BCG-E8684A 
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 17dB (with hearing aid) and 18dB (without hearing aid). A4RGGX8B
Google Pixel 9 Pro This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 17dB (with hearing aid) and 18dB (without hearing aid). A4RGR83Y
Google Pixel 9 This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 17dB (with hearing aid) and 18dB (without hearing aid). A4RG2YBB
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 14dB (with hearing aid) and 16dB (without hearing aid). A3LSMF741U
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 16dB (with hearing aid) and 19dB (without hearing aid). A3LSMF956U
Google Pixel 8a This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 16.99dB (with hearing aid) and 18.5dB (without hearing aid). A4RGKV4X
Samsung Galaxy A35 This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 14dB (with hearing aid) and 16dB (without hearing aid) A3LSMA356U
Samsung Galaxy S24 This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 15dB (with hearing aid) and 19dB (without hearing aid). A3LSMS921U
Samsung Galaxy S24+ This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 9dB (with hearing aid) and 11dB (without hearing aid) A3LSMS926U
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 18dB (with hearing aid) and 21dB (without hearing aid) A3LSMS928U
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G This Handset is hearing aid-compatible, conversational Gain of 18dB (with hearing aid) and 21dB (without hearing aid). A3LSMA156U
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G M3/T3 A3LSMS711U
Google Pixel 8 M3/T4 A4RG1MNW
Google Pixel 8 Pro M3/T4 A4RG9BQD
Apple iPhone 15 M3/T4 BCG-E8427A
Apple iPhone 15 Plus M3/T4 BCG-E8431A
Apple iPhone 15 Pro M3/T4 BCG-E8435A
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max M3/T4 BCG-E8439A
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 M3/T3 A3LSMF731U
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 M3/T3 A3LSMF946U
OnePlus Nord N30 5G M3/T3 2ABZ2-AA534
Samsung XCover6 Pro M3/T3 A3LSMG736U
Google Pixel 7a M3/T4 A4RGWKK3
Samsung Galaxy A54 M3/T3 A3LSMA546U
Samsung Galaxy S23 M3/T3 A3LSMS911U
Samsung Galaxy S23+ M3/T3 A3LSMS916U
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra M3/T3 A3LSMS918U
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G M3/T3 ZCASMA146U
TCL 30 Z M4/T3 2ACCJH152
Google Pixel 7 M3/T4 A4RGVU6C
Google Pixel 7 Pro M3/T4 A4RGE2AE
Apple iPhone 14 Plus M3/T4 BCG-E8139A
Apple iPhone 14 M3/T4 BCG-E8138A
Apple iPhone 14 Pro M3/T4 BCG-E8140A
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max M3/T4 BCG-E8141A
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 M3/T3 A3LSMF721U
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 M3/T3 A3LSMF936U
Motorola Moto G Pure M3/T3 IHDT56ZX2
Google Pixel 6a M3/T4 A4RGX7AS
Samsung Galaxy A13 LTE M3/T3 A3LSMA135U
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G M3/T3 A3LSMA536U
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G M3/T3 A3LSMA136U
Apple iPhone SE (3rd gen) M3/T4 BCG-E4082A
Samsung Galaxy S22 M3/T3 A3LSMS901U
Samsung Galaxy S22+ M3/T3 A3LSMS906U
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra M3/T3 A3LSMS908U
Google Pixel 6 Pro 5G M3/T4 A4RG8V0U
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G M3/T3 A3LSMG990U
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G M3/T3 A3LSMA326U
Google Pixel 6 5G M3/T3 A4RGB7N6
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 M3/T3 A3LSMF711U
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 M3/T3 A3LSMF926U
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max M3/T4 BCG-E4003A
Apple iPhone 13 mini M3/T4 BCG-E3994A
Apple iPhone 13 M3/T4 BCG-E3997A
Apple iPhone 13 Pro M3/T4 BCG-E4000A
Samsung Galaxy A02s M4/T3 ZCASMA025U
Samsung Galaxy A42 M3/T3 A3LSMA426U
Samsung Galaxy A12 M3/T3 A3LSMA125U
Moto G Power (9th gen) M3/T3 IHDT56ZH1
Samsung Galaxy S21 M3/T3 A3LSMG991U
Samsung Galaxy S21+ M3/T3 A3LSMG996U
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra M3/T3 A3LSMG988U
Google Pixel 4a 5G M3/T4 A4RG025E
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max M3/T4 BCG-E3548A
Apple iPhone 12 mini M3/T4 BCG-E3539A
Apple iPhone 12 M3/T4 BCG-E3542A
Apple iPhone 12 Pro M3/T4 BCG-E3545A
Google Pixel 5 M4/T3 A4RGD1YQ
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE M4/T3 A3LSMG781U
LG Stylo 6 M4/T3 ZNFQ730VM
Samsung Galaxy Note20 M3/T3 A3LSMN981U
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra M3/T3 A3LSMN986U
Google Pixel 4a M3/T4 A4RG025J
LG K51 M3/T3 ZNFL555DL
Samsung Galaxy A51 M3/T3 A3LSMA515U
Apple iPhone SE M3/T4 BCG-E3500A
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G M3/T4 A3LSMG988U
LG G8X ThinQ G860 M4/T3 ZNFG850UM
Apple iPhone 11 M3/T4 BCG-E3309A
Apple iPhone 11 Pro M3/T4 BCG-E3305A
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max M3/T4 BCG-E3306A
Cat S48C M3/T3 ZL5S48C
Apple iPhone XR M3/T4 BCG-E3220A

Basic Devices

Device Rating FCC ID
TCL Flip 2 M4/T4 2ACCJN059
Orbic Journey R M3/T3 2ABGH-RC2250L

These handsets 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 these phones 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 handset for information on hearing aid compatibility. If you have questions about return or exchange policies, consult your service provider or phone retailer.

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for Wireless Devices

Hearing aids do not always function well with wireless handsets. Hearing aids operate by using a microphone to pick up sound waves, converting the sound waves into electrical signals to be amplified. Distortion or amplification of unwanted sound (noise) often occurs.

The FCC's hearing aid compatibility requirements address hearing aids that operate in either of two modes – acoustic coupling ("M" rating) or inductive coupling ("T" rating). Hearing aids operating in acoustic coupling mode receive through a microphone and then amplify all sounds surrounding the user, including both desired sounds, such as a telephone's audio signal, and unwanted ambient noise. Hearing aids operating in inductive coupling mode turn off the microphone to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noise, instead using a telecoil to receive only audio signal-based magnetic fields generated by inductive coupling-capable telephones. The FCC's "M" and "T" ratings indicate whether a handset can be expected to function well with a hearing aid and are generally marked clearly on the handset packaging. The "M" or "T" rating does not guarantee that the handset will function without distortion or noise, so Cellcom recommends that you test the handset before purchasing.

For more details on Hearing Aid Compatibility and non-Hearing Aid Compatibility devices, visit www.gari.info.

For more information about the wireless HAC rules and service provider obligations, visit www.fcc.gov/general/hearing-aid-compatibility-hac.

Last updated: 1/17/2023

RTT & TTY

What is RTT?

Real-time text – or RTT – is a technology that allows text to be sent immediately as it is created through wireless handsets that use IP-based technology on networks that support RTT. With RTT, there is no need to press a “send” key as there generally is for SMS, chat, or other types of texting. A recipient can read a message while the sender types it. Instant text transmissions are similar to the instantaneous exchange of information in voice conversations over the phone, and can be critical for emergency calls to 911.

Advantages to RTT - In addition to improving accessible emergency communications, RTT has several advantages over TTY:

  • RTT can eliminate the need to purchase specialized devices, such as TTYs, to send text in real time over wireless phones.
  • Calls using RTT can be initiated and received using the same ten-digit numbers used for voice calls.
  • Both parties to an RTT call can send and receive text in real time at the same time, unlike TTYs, which requires turn-taking.
  • RTT is more reliable than TTY technology over IP networks – this means there will be less garbling and fewer drop-offs on calls.
  • RTT provides callers with more characters for typing than TTYs do. For example, with RTT, you can use the “@” key, alphabets in multiple languages, and emojis, allowing conversations using the full “international character set.”
  • Both RTT and voice can be used, either at the same time or interchangeably, during the same call.

What is TTY?

Text telephone devices or TTY’s are used by people with hearing or speech disabilities to send and receive text messages over telephone networks. TTY devices communicate through a TTY-compatible wireless handset using a cable or Bluetooth which sends tones over a telephone network to another individual with a TTY device which decodes the tones back into characters. Newer IP-connected networks are unable to accurately transmit these tones to be translated back into characters. New IP-Connected networks such as VoIP or VoLTE(Advanced Calling) networks instead utilize RTT(Real-time Text) to transmit characters from one device to another.

Text-to-911 & Text-to-988

What is Text-to-911?

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.

How to contact 911

If you use a wireless phone or other type of mobile device, make sure to do the following in an emergency:

  • Always contact 911 by making a voice call, if you can.
  • If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, and text-to-911 is not available, use a TTY or a telecommunications relay service, if possible.
  • MMS (Picture Messages) to 911 is not supported. Be sure to send messages less than 160 characters and do not include any pictures or graphics. Including pictures or graphics will cause your message to not be delivered to the 911 center.

Bounce-back messages

If you attempt to send a text to 911 where the service is not yet available, FCC rules require all wireless carriers and other text messaging providers to send an automatic "bounce-back" message that will advise you to contact emergency services by another means, such as making a voice call or using telecommunications relay service. Bounce-back messages are intended to minimize your risk of mistakenly believing that a text to 911 has been transmitted to an emergency call center when it has not.

What is Text-to-988?

Calling or texting 988 will connect individuals to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. Counselors will listen, provide support, and connect individuals to additional resources if necessary.

  • Texting does not support multimedia messages (MMS), including pictures and videos. Including these items will cause message failure. Users should only include text in the body of their text messages to 988. Some devices convert messages longer than 160 characters to MMS, which could also cause the message to fail.
  • There is no charge to utilize this service, however the device needs to have an active plan and will not work on a disconnected cell phone.
  • This is a nationwide number that will work regardless of your provider.
  • The toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK remains available in addition to the short dial code.

Share this short-dial number with your family, friends and networks to help increase awareness about this resource and help make 988 as memorable as 911 for people in need of critical suicide prevention and mental health support.

For more about the Lifeline, people can visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.