Hyperconjugation in cresol In cresol both $+I$ effect as well as hyperconjugation work together to determine its acidity. When the methyl group is present in the ortho- and para-position both of them can act upon phenol. 

Hyperconjugation as a rule dominates which increases the electron density of the aryl. This makes it less acidic because the conjugate base is now less stable. But when its meta-cresol, hyperconjugation no longer works. 

Why is it so? It happens even though an empty $\mathrm{p}$-orbital is present near the $\alpha$-hydrogen. What else does it need?
Above are the resonance forms of m-cresol after deprotonation. As you can see, the negative charge resonates around the aryl ring, but never resides on the carbon directly bonded to the methyl group at the meta position. 

Thus, the hyperconjugative effect from the meta methyl group does not affect the acidity of cresol in this isomer. Notice how the destabilising hyperconjugation effect would destabilise the resonating negative charge, if the methyl group was at the ortho- or para- position.