I am targeting April 1, 2025 to replace (or upgrade) my Cell Phone and HA. Based on some very good feedback on this forum, I am taking a fresh approach.
The Federal Communications Commission, FCC on October 17, 2024 announced a new Requirements for Cell Phones. Of course, “compatibility” is never that simple. FCC Requires All Mobile Phones to Be Hearing Aid Compatible
On this FCC site, here is an excerpt of the announcement:
Re: Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility, WT Docket No. 23-388,
Report & Order (October 17, 2024)
As I said when I voted for last year’s hearing aid compatibility Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
“everyone in America deserves access to modern communications.” With this Report and Order, we’re taking an important step toward ensuring that vision is a reality for the millions of Americans who depend on hearing aids.
For years the Commission has been working to make sure every single smartphone sold in
America can be used with a hearing aid – 100% compatibility. Today that goal is finally within reach.
It is my expectation that new (and some existing) cell phones will be publishing the FCC compatibility test results in 2025. Hopefully, this will help our community make better choices.
This is just a single cell phone that posted its FCC compatibility. I use ChatGPT for other projects. Asking ChatGPT about these two phones provided the following:
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and S24 FE in terms of Hearing Aid > Compatibility (HAC), it’s important to understand the standards they adhere to:
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
HAC Rating: M3/T3
Standard: 2011 ANSI
The M3 rating indicates moderate RF emissions, suitable for hearing aids in microphone mode, while the T3 rating signifies compatibility with telecoil-equipped hearing aids. (Phone Scoop) Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
HAC Rating: Compliant with the 2019 ANSI Standard
The 2019 ANSI Standard does not utilize the M/T rating system. Devices compliant with this standard meet or exceed the M3/T3 ratings and are deemed hearing aid compatible. (Appalachian Wireless)
Comparison:
Both devices are designed to be compatible with hearing aids. The S23 FE uses the older 2011 ANSI standard with explicit M3/T3 ratings, while the S24 FE complies with the updated 2019 ANSI standard, which ensures at least equivalent compatibility without specifying M/T ratings.
Therefore, the Galaxy S24 FE is at least as compatible with hearing aids as the S23 FE, adhering to the latest standards set by the FCC.
I would wait until the end of the year to see what the other manufactures bring out. My thinking is that the other manufacture’s phones with be FCC compliant to the new rules.
Otherwise, you will want an assistant built in to the phone for Auracast capability. So far that’s only high end Samsung phones.
Why Google didn’t include an assistant in their new phones I don’t know.
It’s important, and very difficult to find, but HAC = ASHA.
You need HAP for LEA. Idk which Samsungs other than S23 to S25 and the folds support it.
Does the FE show HAP?
I fear the previous posts are not accurate. HAC is not ASHA (Android Streaming for Hearing Aids), nor is it Made For Iphone.
If you want to stream to Phonaks, I believe you want a phone that will send and receive standard BT. If you want to stream with the other market leaders (Signia, Demant, ReSound, Starkey, and maybe Widex), you want a phone that supports ASHA or MFI .
Even better, if you’re buyimg both HAs and a phone at the same time, buy the HAs and then buy a phone on the HA marketer’s compatibility list.
Moto phones are HAC-compatible. They are not ASHA, and this forum is filled with complaints of unsatisfying streaming with Moto phones - because they’re HAC compatible, but not ASHA-compatible.
Plus even better LE Audio (LEA) ASHA is dead in the water, Google won’t be doing much with this as LEA is the new industry standard…but it’s taking a long time for everyone to get on board
( phone manufacturers! as the HA manufacturers are ahead with this, obviously Widex will be offering soon)
The Samsung S24 FE appears to be the most updated HAC for the lower cost cell phones. This is from ChatGPT asking if Rexton is compatible for various cell phone functionality:
HAC 2019 Compliance – Better for Calls
The Samsung S24 FE meets the latest HAC 2019 standard, meaning it should provide better hearing aid compatibility than previous Samsung models.
However, Rexton hearing aids primarily support MFi (Apple’s proprietary system), which means Android connectivity may still be limited.
Phone Calls – Hands-Free May Be Required
Some Rexton users with Android phones report that calls do not stream directly to their hearing aids.
You may need to use speakerphone or a Bluetooth accessory (e.g., Rexton Smart Mic) to improve voice clarity.
Music Streaming – Likely Requires Extra Hardware
Direct Bluetooth streaming may not work with Rexton hearing aids on the S24 FE.
Possible workaround: Use the Rexton Smart Transmitter 2.4, which allows hearing aids to receive streamed audio.
Rexton App on Android – Mixed Reviews
Some Android users report limited functionality of the Rexton App for controlling volume and settings.
If the app does not recognize the S24 FE, updates may be required.
I don’t know about FCC data but I can give you my experience with both Costco hearing aids and cell phones. I started out with Jabra and a galaxy s23 and I had to return them twice for problems and never could get dependable bt connectivity so returned them. Got the Philips 9050 and just got new galaxy s25 and bt connectivity and hands free calling work perfectly. Good luck.
Used the Build Table feature - Took out my S23 side-by-side and replaced with S25 since you were happy that it worked! At this point in time the S25 is about 50% more.
GREAT POST! I am considering the Samsung S24 or S25. Looked up the upgrade ability for the S24. Here is what I found:
Will the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Upgrade Beyond Android 14?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FEwill receive updates to Android 15 (One UI 7) and Android 16 (One UI 8), along with additional security updates. Samsung has significantly improved its software update policy, especially for its Galaxy S-series and FE models. S24 FE will receive up to Android 18 (One UI 10), ensuring it remains updated for 5+ years.
A nice comparison but a few of corrections (I think). The s25 does not have a titanium frame (aluminum) and I believe I read that the s25 had the snapdragon chip worldwide. Also, in the US at least, the price of the s25 is $799.
Good points! The price on T-mobile has several levels from $799 to $999 depending on features and colors. Of course this is a point in time too. Went ahead and made an edit. You might be right on the Titanium Frame. I will suggest any buyer look closely at the details. These are general terms that ChatGPT found with Search Master and some other APIs. Can imagine this can also be variable over model numbers and time. Shoppers should use this as a guide, not a specification or recommendation.
Phone Calls – Hands-Free May Be Required