Hearing impairment can make it difficult to enjoy music, movies, and other audio content. However, those with hearing impairments can still enjoy their favorite media with the right pair of headphones. But what are the best headphones for the hearing impaired?
There are many factors to consider when choosing headphones for the hearing impaired, including sound quality, comfort, and compatibility with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Fortunately, many headphones on the market cater to those with hearing loss. This article will explore the top options and help you find the perfect pair.
Whether you are looking for headphones for yourself or a loved one, this guide will provide the information you need to make an informed decision and enjoy audio content to the fullest.
In This Article:
Are There Special Headphones for the Hard of Hearing?
Deaf people can still use headphones in different ways to enhance their audio experiences. Here are some ways deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can utilize headphones:
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
For individuals who use hearing aids or cochlear implants, ALDs can be used with headphones to improve sound perception. ALDs include devices like loop receivers or neck loops that transmit audio signals directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants. This allows deaf individuals to listen to audio sources like TVs, music players, or public address systems through their hearing devices.
Bone conduction headphones
Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through vibrations that bypass the eardrums and stimulate the inner ear directly. They can benefit deaf individuals, as the vibrations can be perceived as sound. This technology allows deaf people to experience audio without impeding their ability to detect the world around them.
These are mainly the headphones we recommend for listening to music for people who are hard of hearing.
Monaural in-ear headphones
There are headphones specifically designed for people who are deaf in one ear. These headphones typically feature a single earbud or earpiece to amplify and clarify the functioning ear while allowing individuals to maintain awareness of their surroundings.
Telecoil-compatible headphones
Some headphones are designed to be compatible with hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with telecoils. Telecoils receive electromagnetic signals from audio sources, such as phones or loop systems, and convert them into sound. Connecting telecoil-compatible headphones to these devices, deaf individuals can listen to audio signals more directly.
Using headphones as a microphone
Deaf individuals can use headphones with built-in microphones to improve communication during video calls or online interactions. They can listen to audio by wearing headphones, and the built-in microphone can capture their speech to transmit to others. This setup enables clearer communication and helps with lip-reading and speech recognition.
It’s recommended that deaf individuals consult with audiologists, hearing specialists, or assistive technology professionals to determine the best approaches and devices for their specific needs.
Some deaf people use headphones to listen to music, while others communicate with family and friends. Headphones can also be used for educational purposes like listening to lectures or online classes.
Whatever your needs are, there is a headphone that will work with your range of hearing loss so you can enjoy the sounds.
Choosing the Right Hearing-Impaired Headphones
When choosing headphones for individuals who are hard of hearing, there are several factors to consider to ensure a suitable listening experience. Here are some considerations based on the provided search results:
- Adjustable controls: Look for headphones with adjustable volume, bass, and balance controls. This allows individuals to customize the sound output according to their hearing preferences and needs.
- Form factor and comfort: Consider the form factor of the headphones, such as over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear, and choose the one that provides the best comfort and fit. Comfortable headphones ensure long-term usage without discomfort or pain.
- Compatibility with hearing aids: Verify if the headphones are compatible with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Certain headphones are designed to work in conjunction with these devices, allowing individuals to stream audio directly to their hearing aids or implants.
- Amplification and sound quality: Look for headphones with good audio quality and possibly amplification features. Some headphones designed for people who are hard of hearing offer sound amplification to compensate for hearing loss, ensuring a better listening experience.
- Bone Conduction: This is a technology used in headphones that transmits sound vibrations through the bones of the skull, bypassing the eardrums. This allows individuals who are hard of hearing to perceive sound by directly stimulating the inner ear, making bone-conduction headphones a suitable choice for those with certain types of hearing loss.
Our Picks of The Best Headphones for Deaf People
After carefully testing and reviewing several headphones, we’ve compiled the following list of our favorite pairs of headphones for deaf people.
AfterShokz Aeropex
The AfterShokz from Aeropex is an excellent option for people looking for headphones with an amplifier. These headphones use bone conduction technology to deliver sound to the listener; learn more about Aftershokz headphones here.
The Aeropex also has several other features that make it an excellent choice for deaf people, including an adjustable headband, a sweat-resistant design, and eight hours of battery life.
Can deaf people use AfterShokz?
Yes, deaf people can use AfterShokz bone conduction headphones. While bone conduction headphones like AfterShokz are not hearing aids, they can be used to assist with hearing when used in conjunction with a hearing aid app or other assistive technology.
The bone conduction technology used in AfterShokz allows sound vibrations to be transmitted through the bones of the skull, bypassing the eardrums and enabling individuals with hearing loss to perceive sound.
BeHear NOW
In addition to standard wireless headphones, the BeHear NOWs function as a PSAP. These headphones are ideal for accommodating gentle hearing loss, with a maximum gain of 42dB and customizable adjustment.
The BeHear NOWs are also comfortable to wear, with an adjustable headband and earbuds that fit snugly in the ear. You may also utilize the EasyListen feature during phone calls to slow down incoming voices so you don’t miss introductory talks. Phone calls can also be boosted to make it easier to hear the other person.
Sennheiser RS120 II
The Sennheiser RS120 II is an excellent option for people looking for headphones with an amplifier. These headphones use RF technology to deliver sound to the listener.
The RS120 II also has several other features that make them an excellent choice for deaf people, including an adjustable headband, volume control, and eight hours of battery life.
Recon 70
These over-the-ear headphones are both affordable and light. The ear cushions are a good size. They also come with a microphone. The sound quality is pretty good. You can also use the Recon 70 with a gaming console like PS Vita or Nintendo Switch.
Bose QC 35 II
The Bose QC 35 II is one of the most popular noise-canceling headphones. They’re comfortable to wear for long periods and offer a good seal that helps block out external noise.
The QC 35 II also has several features that make them a great choice for deaf people, including an adjustable headband, volume control, and 20 hours of battery life.
Are Bose headphones good for the hearing impaired?
Bose headphones offer features that can benefit individuals with hearing impairments. For example, active noise cancellation technology helps reduce background noise, enhancing speech clarity. In addition, the headphones are praised for their audio quality and comfortable designs with adjustable features for a secure fit. While compatibility with hearing aids can vary from model to model, it’s worth considering Bose models that offer Bluetooth connectivity or adjustable settings to accommodate hearing aid users. Overall, Bose headphones provide a range of options to improve the listening experience for individuals with hearing impairments.
Sennheiser RS 195 RF
The Sennheiser RS 195 RF is an excellent option for people looking for headphones with an amplifier. These headphones use RF technology to deliver sound to the listener.
The RS 195 RF also has several other features that make them a great choice for deaf people, including an adjustable headband, volume control, and excellent battery life. In addition, the RS 195 RF offers superb noise isolation, and they’re quite easy to set up.
Beats Solo3
The Beats Solo³ Wireless is one of the most popular headphones. They’re comfortable to wear for long periods and offer a good seal that helps block out external noise.
The Solo³ Wireless also has several features that make them a great choice for deaf people, including an adjustable headband, volume control, and 40 hours of battery life.
Lucid Audio AMPED
These are the most affordable, yet they don’t sacrifice quality. They have a good seal and are comfortable to wear for long periods. In addition, the Lucid Audio AMPED has several features that make it a great choice for deaf people, including an adjustable headband, volume control, and eight hours of battery life.
Can bone conduction headphones help deaf people hear?
Bone conduction headphones utilize vibrations to transmit sound directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This technology can benefit individuals with certain types of hearing loss or deafness associated with the outer and middle ear.
However, its effectiveness may vary for profound hearing loss. Bone conduction headphones can help integrate deaf individuals into society, allowing them to enjoy music and audio content with others. They also provide accessibility and freedom, particularly for activities like running and cycling, where maintaining awareness of surroundings is essential.
It is crucial to consider the specific type and degree of hearing loss when evaluating the suitability of bone-conduction headphones. Consulting with hearing specialists or audiologists can provide personalized guidance and explore other assistive devices that may complement hearing capabilities.
Overall, bone conduction headphones offer a unique approach to sound perception for deaf individuals, providing an alternative option to traditional headphones or hearing aids.
Are earbuds or headphones better for hearing loss?
The debate surrounding earbuds and headphones concerning hearing loss is complex and contingent upon multiple factors. To summarize, it is crucial to maintain safe listening practices, including adhering to recommended volume levels and durations. A general guideline is to listen at 80% volume for a maximum of 90 minutes at a time.
When it comes to noise isolation, over-the-ear headphones provide better sound isolation by enveloping the ears, allowing for lower volume levels while still enjoying audio content. This feature can be advantageous for individuals concerned about hearing loss.
On the other hand, earbuds, due to their proximity to the ear canal, can pose a higher risk of hearing problems, mainly if used at high volumes. However, this risk can be mitigated using earbuds correctly and maintaining safe volume levels.
Additionally, it is vital to be aware of device limitations. For example, many devices allow volume levels that exceed the recommended safe thresholds, which can negatively impact hearing health. Therefore, adjusting the volume according to the device’s maximum output and prioritizing safe listening practices is crucial.
Final Thoughts
There are several fabulous headphones on the market, perfect for deaf people. In addition, headphones with an amplifier are an excellent option for people looking for headphones with an amplified sound.
The BeHear NOWs and the Sennheiser RS120 II are great options for people looking for headphones with an amplifier. In addition, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Beats Solo³ Wireless are great options for noise-canceling headphones.
And finally, the Lucid Audio AMPED is an excellent option for people looking for affordable headphones that don’t sacrifice quality. So what’s your favorite pair of headphones? Let us know in the comments below.
TV ears are other proper headphones you can look at.