Phones are labeled with an M/T rating. M is for microphone; T is for telecoil. The highest rating would be M4/T4. That means that a phone has both a strong microphone and a strong telecoil. Many people say the 3 rating works well enough. Best to try before you buy whether it's a landline phone or a cell phone. Often the sales people don't have a clue about what this all means. YOU have to be assertive. Don't feel guilty about that You have a right to try the technology before you buy it. It would be wise to get the hearing aids first, and try the phones during your hearing aid trial period. .