Things to consider when buying headphones with hearing aids
For some people with a hearing device, tracking down suitable and compatible headphones can be challenging.
Over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, bone-conduction headphones, earbuds, in-ear headphones, stereo headphones, and noise-cancelling; there are a lot of options, and it can be a trial-and-error process.
When it comes to wearing headphones and finding the best headphones for you and your individual needs, the main factor to consider is fit.
For hearing aid users, it is important to find headphones that fit comfortably around your hearing aid microphones. If your headphones do not sit up and over the microphones, then you may not pick up any sound, so over-the-ear models can be a great option.
Finding suitable headphones for In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
Finding the right fit for headphones and hearing aids can be easier for smaller ITE types of hearing aids. These include:
- Invisible in the canal (IIC hearing aids);
- In the canal (ITC);
- Completely in canal (CIC hearing aids); and
- Low-profile hearing aids.
These types of hearing aids all fit directly discreetly in the ear canal or in the ear and are generally compatible with on-ear headphones and over-the-ear headphones. Invisible in the canal hearing aid wearers may also be able to wear earbuds.
Finding suitable headphones for Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
If your hearing aids sit behind the ear, the options for headphones are limited. These include:
- Behind-the-ear;
- Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC); and
- Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE).
Whilst hearing aids range in size, these all have a component that sits behind the outer ear and won’t work with on-ear headphones. Headphones that can be customised to your hearing may be a suitable solution.
Look for large styles that fit comfortably over both the ear and the hearing aid, so that sound can reach the hearing aid microphone without it being covered by the headphone’s cushioning. It is important to try on different models because if they do not fit completely over, the hearing aids will pick up external sound instead.
Can bone-conduction headphones damage your hearing?
Even though these headphones bypass your outer ear and middle ear entirely, they still send sound to the cochlea and they can still damage your hearing if used improperly or at too high a volume. Like all headphones if used correctly, bone-conduction headphones are safe to use.
If you work in an office space, live in a city, and want to remain aware of background noise like traffic while walking or cycling, bone-conduction headphones may be a great solution!
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