A common question from new and experienced hearing aid wearers alike is, “Can I wear headphones with my hearing aids in?” You may also be wondering what type of headphones would be best to use when wearing hearing aids. Read on to find out.
The short answer to the question is yes – you can wear headphones with most hearing aids, but it depends on the style of hearing aid, style of headphone and what’s most comfortable for you.
Best headphones to wear with behind-the-ear hearing aids
If you wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, which is the most common style, you will likely find that an over-the-ear headphone works best. This style lets you keep your hearing aids in and allows for the best sound quality and listening experience.
Over-the-ear headphones are comfortable and help lower any background noise, plus people can clearly see that you’re wearing them and will get your attention before trying to speak with you!
With older hearing aids or analog technology, over-the-ear headphones might have caused feedback (a high-pitched squeal from the hearing aid), but modern devices usually do not have this issue when wearing this style of headphones.
An on-ear style headphone can work as well, but you will still hear background noise around you since the headphone won’t fully cover the microphones on your behind-the-ear hearing aids. Likewise, open-ear, or bone conduction, headphones may work depending on the type of hearing loss you have, but you will hear sound around you fully and may have trouble focusing on what you’re listening to with the headphones.
What headphones to wear with in-the-canal hearing aids
If you wear in-the-canal hearing aids, both over-the-ear and on-ear headphones should work well for you. These will send sound into your hearing aids, allowing you to benefit from your prescription amplification. Since in-the-canal hearing aids do not have a microphone behind your ear, background noise should not be disruptive.
Bone conduction headphones may be an option if your hearing loss is sensorineural, but you will hear all background noise.
What if I have Bluetooth™ hearing aids? Do I still need headphones?
If you have Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, you can stream music directly to your hearing aids and skip headphones completely! This is a great option, and the connectivity is simple and seamless, but there are times when background noise can make hearing what you’re streaming difficult. In that case, you can try muting your external hearing aid microphones via the Oticon Connect App – click here to see a video of how to do that.
It may also be helpful sometimes to wear visible headphones, so others know you are not able to hear them – whether you’re on public transportation, at the gym, or just want to be left alone! Those are good times to have a pair of headphones you can wear, even if you still just stream to your hearing aids.
What about earbuds with hearing aids?
Earbud-style headphones may work for you too – but it comes down to comfort! Some people may find that an earbud fits over their hearing aid just fine and is comfortable; while others cannot tolerate it. Experiment and see what works for you!
A word on listening safely
Please care for your ears! Even though you have hearing loss, you still need to protect the hearing you have left. Follow the 60-60 safe listening guideline – 60 minutes of listening at a time, at 60% of maximum volume and give your ears breaks throughout the day.
If you would like to check out the latest hearing aid technology, check your current hearing levels or purchase custom hearing protection for your next concert, visit your local HearingLife. Our hearing care experts would love to help you live better with hearing loss.