With today’s technology, all your favorite songs, podcasts, audiobooks, TV shows and movies are available with just a few swipes and clicks. Many people like to enjoy their favorite media through headphones or earbuds. For those with hearing aids, this can be a little bit of a challenge.
Below we review your options, from using your hearing aids as a set of earbuds to what model of headphones is compatible with your hearing aid.
Get Bluetooth-Enabled Hearing Aids
If you listen to a lot of music on your commute to Anchorage Square, consider investing in Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. These types of devices are able to connect to smartphones, tablets, laptops and more and act as a set of earbuds by streaming media directly to your ears.
If your devices have Bluetooth compatibility, ask your audiologist how to connect them.
Types of Headphones for Your Hearing Aid Style
If you don’t have Bluetooth-enabled devices, you just need to do a little research and go through some trial and error in order to determine what style of headphone works best with your hearing aids.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear style hearing aids include:
- Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids.
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids.
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids.
- Low-profile hearing aids.
With all of these styles, the components of the hearing aid fit entirely in the ear canal or ear bowl. Therefore, on-ear and over-the-ear headphones can be worn. IIC wearers may even be able to wear some styles of earbuds.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
- Standard behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.
- Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids.
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids.
- Open-fit hearing aids.
With these models, the main components of the hearing aid are housed in a shell that sits behind the ear, which is connected to an earmold or receiver within the canal using thin tubing or wire. With this style of hearing aid, larger over-the-ear headphones like high-fidelity noise-cancelling headphones are ideal. Make sure the headphones speakers are far enough from the hearing aid microphone to avoid feedback.
For more information about how to enjoy music through your hearing aids or to talk to an audiologist about upgrading to Bluetooth-enabled technology, call San Francisco Audiology today.