Which Headphones Can You Use With Hearing Aids?

When you’re wearing hearing aids, it can sometimes feel like a challenge to enjoy the things that you love. Listening to your favorite tunes can be hard when you don’t have the right headphones. The sound might be fuzzy or might give you hearing aid feedback. It could even damage your hearing aid. The good news is that different types of hearing aids have a perfect headphone. By knowing what type of hearing aid you have, you can find a pair of headphones that work in unison.

The Main Types Of Headphones

If you use hearing aids, find the right headphones for your hearing aids. It can help you better connect with the world around you. There are many headphone brands and designs that you can buy to enhance your hearing. The most common designs include over the ear, on the ear, and in the ear headphones.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) And Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC)

Both BTEs and RICs house many of their main components in a small compartment located behind the ear. Being located outside the ear canal means they need headphones that cover them. Avoid headphones that go in the ear. Your hearing aids aren’t going to be able to pick up the sound, which will lead to difficulty in hearing your tunes.
HiFiMan, Bose, and Audio-Technica all offer over the ear headphones. When selecting the right fit for you, be sure that the headphones completely cover your ears. Have at least one centimeter between the headphones and the hearing aid microphone. This avoids unwanted feedback and ensures optimal hearing.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

Since ITC hearing aids sit in the ear canal, you have more options. Experts recommend selecting an over-the-ear or an on-the-ear style headphone for ITC users. While on-the-ear headphones are lighter to wear, they do allow some ambient noise to leak through. Some great on the ear headphone brands include Plantronics, Skullcandy, and Grado.

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) And Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC)

If you use CIC or IIC hearing aids, you have the widest selection of headphones. Since these hearing aids sit far back in the ear canal, it’s possible to use earphones that fit inside of the ear. Some of the most popular are the Bose Soundtrue Ultra and the Klipsch Wired.

Contact Our Hearing Care Professionals Today

If you need help with determining the right headphones for your hearing aids, give us a call. Our hearing care professionals are here to assist you with all your hearing loss needs. This includes free hearing examinations and hearing device recommendations. We also offer fittings, hearing device cleaning, and repairs. We’re your one-stop-shop for everything hearing-related.