HAC Hearing Aid Compatibility Testing

HAC is the abbreviation for Hearing Aid Compatibility. It tests the electromagnetic compatibility between mobile phones and hearing aids. The testing is divided into two parts: RF and T-coil, and it defines two levels of immunity: near-field compatibility and user compatibility.

Mobile phones and hearing aid devices can cause mutual interference when used together. Therefore, the Federal Communications Commission (fcc) requires testing the compatibility of mobile phones and hearing aid devices. The compatibility of the two modes used in hearing aids—microphone mode and telecoil mode—must both be measured. The FCC has established rating levels to evaluate the risk of interference: T1-T4 and M1-M4.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) adopts the ANSI C63.19 standard. According to the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), mobile phones produced by every manufacturer must be HAC compliant (M3-M4 and T3-T4).

HAC Testing

HAC testing is divided into the following two parts:

1. RF (Radio Frequency) Part

• RF-E: Radio Frequency Electric Field

• RF-H: Radio Frequency Magnetic Field

Miniature probes for E-field and H-field are used to test the near-field electric and magnetic fields emitted by the mobile phone.

When a digital mobile phone is close to a hearing aid, the digital pulses from the mobile phone's antenna are picked up by the hearing aid's microphone and induction pick-up coil (telecoil), causing the hearing aid wearer to hear a buzzing noise, which affects its proper function.

2. T-coil (Telecoil) Part

• ABM1: Audio Band Magnetic signal

• ABM2: Audio Band Magnetic noise

This test uses a T-coil probe to measure the magnetic field emitted by the mobile phone.

When a digital mobile phone is close to a hearing aid, it can cause acoustic feedback. For fully digital hearing aids, as long as they have a sufficiently powerfUL feedback cancellation function, this acoustic interference can be eliminated.

Our Testing Capabilities

Our newly invested equipment is the highest-performing on the market, covering the highest requirements of HAC testing standards. In the current market, our company is one of only three testing facilities in Dongguan City equipped with HAC testing equipment.

Combined with our SAR equipment, which can test up to 6GHz, we can simultaneously complete RF testing, sar testing, HAC testing, and certificate application, providing a true one-stop service. Our testing cycle is significantly shorter than other companies in the industry that can only perform either SAR or HAC testing individually. Customers no longer need to worry about prolonged timelines or shipping delays caused by outsourcing. We are committed to providing high-quality and highly efficient services.

HAC Standards and Regulatory Requirements

Note: HAC testing is currently only a mandatory requirement for the FCC. Other countries do not have mandatory testing requirements for it at this time.