Can You Wear Headphones Over Hearing Aids?

Whether you want to listen to music, take phone calls, or watch videos, you may be wondering if you can use headphones while wearing hearing aids. The answer is yes, but the experience depends on which type of headphones and hearing aids you use. Let us explore the best options for combining headphones with different hearing aid styles.

Headphone Types and Hearing Aid Compatibility

Over-Ear Headphones (Best for BTE and RIC)

Large over-ear headphones with cushioned ear cups work best with BTE and RIC hearing aids. The spacious ear cups fit over the hearing aid without pressing against it. Look for headphones with deep, padded ear cushions that create a comfortable space around your entire ear including the hearing aid behind it.

Tips for using over-ear headphones:

• Choose headphones with large ear cups that fully encompass your ear.
• Avoid noise-cancelling headphones that create a tight seal, as this can cause feedback.
• Start at a low volume and increase gradually to avoid feedback whistling.
• Open-back headphones may work better than closed-back to reduce feedback risk.

On-Ear Headphones (Use with Caution)

On-ear headphones sit directly on the ear rather than around it. These can press against BTE and RIC hearing aids, causing discomfort and feedback. They are generally not recommended for users with behind-the-ear hearing aids but may work with CIC or IIC devices that sit entirely inside the ear canal.

Earbuds and In-Ear Monitors (CIC Users Only)

Standard earbuds and in-ear monitors cannot be used with most hearing aids because they occupy the same space in or near the ear canal. However, users with CIC hearing aids that sit deep in the canal may be able to use certain earbuds designed with shallow insertion, though this is not ideal and may cause feedback.

Bluetooth Streaming - The Best Solution

Modern Signia hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity eliminate the need for headphones entirely. Your hearing aids become your personal audio system, streaming music, phone calls, podcasts, and videos directly from your smartphone. This is the best solution because:

• Personalized Sound: Audio is processed through your hearing aid's settings, optimized for your specific hearing profile.
• No Feedback Risk: Since audio comes through the hearing aid's receiver directly, there is no external sound source to cause feedback loops.
• Hands-Free Calls: Answer phone calls with a tap on your hearing aid and hear the caller in both ears.
• Convenience: No extra device to carry, charge, or keep track of.

The Signia Pure Charge and Go series offers excellent Bluetooth streaming with both Android and iOS devices, providing a seamless audio experience that no headphone can match for hearing aid users.

Tips for the Best Audio Experience

• Keep Volume Moderate: Your hearing aids already amplify sound. Adding headphones on top means you need less volume than someone without hearing aids.
• Watch for Feedback: If you hear whistling, reposition the headphones or reduce volume.
• Consider a Streamer: If your hearing aids do not have built-in Bluetooth, accessories like the Signia StreamLine TV can wirelessly stream audio to your hearing aids.
• Protect Your Hearing: Even with hearing loss, excessively loud audio through headphones can cause further damage. Keep volumes at comfortable levels.

If you enjoy music, podcasts, or frequent phone calls, consider upgrading to Bluetooth-enabled Signia hearing aids that double as premium wireless earphones. Contact our audiologists to explore the best options for your lifestyle.