Today’s hearing aids are more than amplifiers—they’re sophisticated communication tools with features designed to keep you connected in every setting, including digital settings. In a world where communication often involves streaming, video calls and music, it’s natural to wonder: can you use headphones with hearing aids, and if so, what’s the best way to do it?
Choosing the Right Headphone Style
Not every type of headphone fits comfortably or works effectively with hearing aids. Here’s how the main styles compare:
- Over-ear headphones: They fully cover the ear and have superior noise-cancelling functionality. Their larger size makes them fit all hearing aid types.
- On-ear headphones: Because they rest directly on the ear, these can sometimes interfere with larger hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.
- In-ear earbuds: These are popular and may work with smaller styles such as in-the-ear (ITE) or completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids, but they’re not compatible with larger devices.
Possible Challenges
Wearing headphones and hearing aids together for long periods isn’t without risks. Pressure from headphones can shift your hearing aids out of place, leading to:
- Feedback or whistling, caused by sound escaping from the ear canal.
- Physical damage, such as bent tubing or stressed wiring.
- Discomfort or pain if the hearing aid is pressed against your head or becomes misaligned.
Headphones also pose their own threat to your hearing: they expose us to loud sounds for prolonged durations—which is how noise-induced hearing loss occurs—and project that loud noise directly into our ears. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends listening at below 70 decibels; if you find yourself turning the volume past that level, you could damage your hearing further.
Direct Streaming as an Alternative
In some cases, you may not need headphones at all. Many modern hearing aids include Bluetooth® capability, which allows you to stream audio directly from your phone, computer or television to your hearing aids and eliminates the need for headphones altogether. This option can be very effective, as it offers superior sound clarity, minimizes the need for additional accessories, and provides the convenience of using the hearing aids already in place. For many users, Bluetooth hearing aids are the most effective way to enjoy music, podcasts, and calls without the hassle of headphones.
If you have any questions about headphone use with your hearing aids or notice any changes in your hearing aid functionality after using headphones, call The Hearing & Speech Center. We can help you make sure your hearing aids fit properly or adjust the settings on your hearing aids to work better with headphones.
