9 Best Headphones For Hearing Aid Users in 2024

If you wear hearing aids, you know how important it is to find a headset that works seamlessly with your gear. We're here to explore the best headphones to use with hearing aids where tech meets accessibility so you can get the best audio experience possible.

Can You Use Headphones With Hearing Aids?

Thanks to the progress in hearing aid technology, you can find headphones compatible with your hearing aids.

For some, finding headphones that are compatible with hearing aids can be difficult because the extra gear stands in the way of a good fit. 

Depending on which hearing aids you use, some designs won't properly sit around the hearing aids or sit too close to the microphone, giving you problems with audio feedback. However, with some experimentation, you can find headphones that work great with your hearing aids.

What To Consider When Choosing Headphones with Hearing Aids?

If you're looking for headphones to use with your hearing aid device, aside from comfort and fit, type of connectivity and purpose of use, the most important factor to consider is what type of hearing aids you wear. 

From wireless Bluetooth to traditional wired and noise-cancelling sets, there's a wide range of features to choose from, providing full coverage and intuitive controls for ease of use.

These are the most common hearing aids and what type of headphone fits best:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) 

Since the main components are located behind the ear, over-the-ear headphones are the best option to maximize sound efficiency without compromising comfort. Larger, over-ear designs generally cause less pressure on your ears and block sounds more effectively. In this case, you’ll want to avoid headphones that go in the ear because it will prevent the hearing aid from picking up sound.

• Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)

For this type of hearing aid, it is recommended that the headphones completely cover your ears with at least one centimeter between the headphones and the hearing aid microphone to avoid unwanted feedback.

• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) 

Since these hearing aids sit back in the ear canal, it's possible to use earphones that fit inside of the ear. This type of hearing aid requires a headphone that seals the ear canal to eliminate some ambient sound. The headphone should fit in the ear canal while allowing room for the hearing aid. 

• Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP) 

Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are amplifying devices you can purchase over-the-counter without a prescription or seeing a healthcare professional. PSAPs are not regulated as medical devices by the FDA; thus, they are meant for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have more severe hearing loss, OTC hearing aids might be unable to amplify sounds at high enough levels to help you.

Type of Headphones for Hearing Aid Users

• Bone Conduction Headphones: These headphones transmit sound through the bones in the skull rather than through the ear canal, making them suitable for individuals with hearing aids. An example of this type of headphone is the AfterShok Trekz.

• Over-Ear Headphones: These types of headphones help reduce external noise with noise cancellation technology and improve overall sound quality. The Bose Quiet Comfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are examples of this type of headphone. 

• In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): These types of headphones are ideal for use with hearing aids that have a T-coil feature. An example is the Shure SE215 sound-isolating in-ear headphones. 

Wireless vs. Bluetooth Headphones

Wireless and Bluetooth headphones bring their own benefits and features to the table, but which one is the right fit for you?

Wireless Headphones: These offer the freedom to move around without being tied to your device. With different connectivity options like radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR), they can work well with hearing aids by connecting directly to the audio source. They often provide a stable connection and robust sound quality, making them a solid choice.

Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth technology has revolutionized wireless audio, allowing seamless connections with multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This convenience is a huge plus for those on the go. Bluetooth headphones often come with easy-to-use controls, noise-cancellation features, and built-in microphones for hands-free calls.

However, there's a catch. Some hearing aid wearers might find that Bluetooth connectivity can interfere with their devices, causing potential disruptions in sound quality. On the other hand, wireless headphones may not have this issue due to their distinct frequency range.

So, whether you lean towards the flexibility of wireless headphones or the convenience of Bluetooth, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and compatibility with your hearing aids. Exploring the features and weighing the pros and cons of each option will guide you towards a choice that enhances your auditory experience in a way that suits your unique needs.

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9 Best Headphones For Hearing Aid Users

1. AfterShokz Trekz

AfterShokz has an open-ear design that uses bone conduction technology to transmit sound via mini vibrations to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrums. Since they sit outside the ear instead of in or on the ear, you can comfortably wear AfterShokz headphones with hearing aids.

• Good for sensitive ears
• Pair with a hearing aid apps
• Highly portable
• Long battery life
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Great for working out
• Ideal for those with Tinnitus 
• Price: $129.95

2. Bose Quiet Comfort 45

A definite leader in wireless over-ear headphones that are exceptionally comfortable with best-in-class noise cancellation perfect for all hearing aid users.

• Exceptionally comfortable
• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• Highly portable
• Long battery life
• Price: $279

3. Nuraphone Headphones

Since we all hear differently within the audio frequency spectrum because no two ears are exactly alike, the Nuraphone headphones can adapt to your unique way of hearing, making them an ideal choice for those with unbalanced hearing, like having your own custom audio engineer. 

• Bulky design, not optimal for travel
• Best-in-class for unbalanced hearing
• Great battery life
• Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Price: $400

4. Sennheiser RS 135

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These on-ear wireless headphones are ideal to use over hearing aids for use with TV. Although they don’t include Bluetooth connectivity, they have a good battery life and a charging cradle, and they’re a good model for enhancing the TV viewing experience. They pair best with heating aids completely in canal. 

• Include charging cradle
• Lightweight radio frequency wireless
• Long battery life
• Elegant design with comfortable snug fit
• Price: $149

5. Sony WH-1000XM5

These over the ear headphones are extra roomy around the ears with noise canceling and exceptional call quality.

• Portable case design
• Multiple microphone noise canceling
• Extended battery life
• Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity (multipoint connection)
• Elegant design with comfortable snug fit
• Price: $399.99

6. Sound World Solutions CS50+

This sleek and discrete design is perfect for those recently experiencing hearing loss, finding it difficult to understand sounds or speech in certain situations, such as in noisy restaurants or while watching TV at home. This sound amplifier can make a great difference and improve the quality of your daily life. 

• 3 built-in amplification settings
• Custom volume presets for each ear
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Good battery life
• Price: $349

7. Beats Solo3 Wireless Headset

Another excellent over-the-ear headphone providing a comfortable experience with great sound that is also compatible with iOS and Android making it possible to take calls. 

• Comfortable cushioned ear cups
• Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Foldable sleek design
• Up to 40 hours of battery life
• Includes carrying case
• Price: 199.95

8. Astro A50 Wireless Headset + Base Station

These over-the-ear headphones make the list due to their high performance and complete control over the audio experience. Although made with gamers in mind, these headphones provide crisp sound directionality with a built-in microphone which make it ideal for business meetings or phone calls.

• Include base charging station and microphone
• Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Dolby audio
• 15+ hours of battery life
• Compatible with Windows, iOS, XBox, PlayStation 4 and 5
• Price: $299.99

9. Shure SE215

These in-ear monitors (IEMs) can be used with hearing aids with a telecoil feature and are great at blocking ambient noise and ensuring a comfortable customized fit. The ergonomic design is available in different sizes and is designed with a lightweight shape and optimized nozzle angle to fit comfortably in the ear. 

Conclusion

In a world where hearing aids and headphones converge, finding the perfect balance between functionality and comfort is paramount. We hope this list can help you narrow your search for the best headphones to use with hearing aids according to your specific needs.