June 14, 2022

Can I Wear Headphones with My Hearing Aids?

Yes, you can. Depending on the size and style of your hearing aids, you can sport different kinds of headphones and earbuds. Your hearing needs, the shape of your hearing devices and your comfort will determine which set is right for you.

Finding the Best Fit

You have three options when it comes to headsets:

  • Earbuds: Small devices that sit snuggly inside your ear canal
  • On-ear headphones: Headsets that rest on top of the head with the speakers placed directly on the ears
  • Over-ear headphones: Like on-ear devices, these headsets rest around the ear but are better at eliminating ambient noise

Some hearing aids restrict your options, but there are plenty of solutions for every hearing aid.

In-the-ear (ITE) devices: ITE devices include in-the-canal (ITC), invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids that fit discreetly inside your ear. They do not have an external receiver, so they’re well-suited to on-ear and over-ear headphones. Some CIC devices may also pair with earbuds.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids: Mini BTE, on-the-ear (OTE) and receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) are all considered BTE devices. Because the hearing aid receiver is situated behind the ear, over-ear headphones are usually the most comfortable option. However, it’s important to find over-ear headsets that completely cover the external receiver to reduce ambient noise. Headphones that are situated too close to your hearing aid’s mic will also produce unwanted audio feedback.

Bone-Conduction Headphones

These devices wrap around the back of the head and rest in front of the ears, making them suitable for ITE and BTE hearing aids. Bone-conduction headphones send audio vibrations through the bones of your cheeks and upper jaw to your inner ear, so there’s no need to cover your ear canal. They’re a great solution if you have single-sided deafness and want a “surround sound” listening experience.

Streaming Audio with Bluetooth

Eliminate the need for headphones and earbuds by investing in Bluetooth hearing aids. You can stream music, podcasts and other audio right to your hearing aids, which means you can adjust the volume and sound quality to your liking. Streaming audio to your hearing aids also reduces background noise interference, so you don’t have to crank the volume.Schedule your appointment at Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte. We will help you find the right hearing aids to suit your hearing loss and lifestyle needs. Call 704-412-7975 or contact us online for service information.

Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. Melissa Karp, Au.D.
Audiologist
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Melissa Karp is a board-certified audiologist with special expertise in tinnitus treatment, auditory processing disorder (APD) evaluation, hearing aid fitting and aural rehabilitation.