Subscribe
Fresh Weekly Insights In Your Inbox?

The Best Bluetooth Headphones For Hearing Aid Wearers

The Best Bluetooth Headphones For Hearing Aid Wearers

Look for over-ear wireless headphones with soft, cushioned ear cups and excellent noise cancellation, like Bose Quiet Comfort and several Sony models. Bone conduction headphones like AfterShokz are also great options that don't put any pressure on your ears.
Bluetooth Headphones For Hearing Aid Wearers
Bluetooth Headphones For Hearing Aid Wearers
I independently choose all services and products but may earn a commission on any links clicked. Learn More.

For those who wear hearing aids, finding comfortable headphones that don’t interfere with or cause feedback on your devices can be a challenge.

Because earbuds are not a choice for you, the key is to look for over-ear wireless headphones with noise cancellation. Brands like Bose and Sony make excellent noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones that are comfortable with hearing aids. Their soft, cushioned ear cups avoid putting pressure on your ears. And, there’s also no cable to trip you up.

Bone-conduction headphones like AfterShokz are also a great option because they don’t cover your ears at all. The open design allows you to wear them with hearing aids easily.

Focus on comfort, noise cancellation to block background noise, and wireless connectivity when choosing headphones to use with your hearing aids.

Best Hearing Aid Compatible Headphones to Consider

Based on the features I described above, here are some of the best Bluetooth headphones for hearing aid wearers, depending on the type of hearing aid you have.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Triple Black)Pin

Bose Quiet Comfort 45 Wireless Headphones II (Over-Ear)

from $199.00

These Bose headphones may be pricey, but they are perfect for those who suffer from hearing loss. The headphones are some of the most comfortable in the marketplace and offer the exceptional sound quality that Bose is known for.

With cushioning on the ear-cups that would satisfy those with even the most sensitive ears, you may even forget that you are wearing earphones altogether.

No one does noise cancellation better than Bose. Bose has been and continues to be the leader in pioneering intelligent noise-cancellation technology.

With this model specifically, you get built-in noise technology that can silence the ambient noise surrounding you while boosting bass and higher frequency treble sound waves.

Whether you are looking to limit noise on the airplane or on a busy metro, you will be able to listen to media and music at lower volumes than ever before.

Bose does this using proprietary technology to clear away the noise surrounding you so you can get an optimized listening experience at safe volume levels.

This is one that can be very useful for a senior. Having both Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa built-in make using the headphones and playing the media you want a breeze. Simple voice commands and you will be off watching your favorite soap opera or listening to your favorite song.


Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headset – Black (2018 Version)Pin

Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones (Over-Ear)

from $95.00

Sony has been making a lot of strides to put itself almost on par with Bose in the noise-canceling headphones department. In some ways, the WH-1000XM3 surpasses Bose’s efforts.

While these headphones are expensive, they offer high levels of compatibility for seniors with hearing aids and the listening experience is incredible.

This model features their brand new noise cancellation processor which allows the headphones to complete on-site analysis based on the characteristics caused by your glasses and hearing aid. After all, you won’t have a tight seal depending on the hearing aid that you are wearing.

Therefore, Sony’s ability to customize noise cancellation to your own experience can actually surpass what the Bose headphones are capable of delivering.

These headphones deliver a comfortable wearing experience with deep, ergonomic ear space to completely cover the ear canal. This is important for those who wear protruding hearing aids because you don’t want a tight fit causing pain in your ears.

Also, Sony has delivered incredibly comfortable and very soft pressure-relieving pads which evenly distribute pressure to avoid your ears experiencing discomfort when worn over longer periods of time.


Beats by Dr. Dre - Beats Studio³ Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones - Matte BlackPin

Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

from $193.99

If you want to be hip and wireless, the Beats Studio Wireless is for you.

While not necessarily as good as the Bose or Sony, these Beat headphones provide stellar active noise cancellation. Therefore, you will be able to watch your favorite media without having the distraction of your grandkids screaming and yelling in the house.

These headphones have on-ear playback controls, making it easy to adjust the volume and your listening experience.


AfterShokz Air Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Slate GreyPin

AfterShokz Air Bone Conduction Headphones (On-Ear)

$177.90
as of 03/28/2024 9:21 am

While these may look like headphones from space for someone unfamiliar with modern earphone technology, they could provide one of the best experiences for someone who wears hearing aids.

The headphones transmit sound through your bones to amplify the sound and offer Bluetooth connectivity with easy operation.

These headphones are designed to be lightweight and comfortable. With no wires and a wraparound design, they can be worn for hours without experiencing any pain or discomfort.

As mentioned, the design makes them one of the best and most compatible earphones for hearing aid wearers. The headphones feature an open-ear design, so they won’t interfere with your hearing aids.

However, despite allowing ambient noises to be heard, the headphones offer a dynamic soundstage and plenty of volume to give you a good listening experience.


Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones - Battery Free for Unlimited Listening, Built in Mic and Controls - BlackPin

Beats EP On-Ear Headphones

$149.95
as of 03/28/2024 9:21 am

This is one of the standout on-ear efforts from Beats available at an affordable price. Because they are on-ear headphones, you want to be sure they will be compatible with your specific type of hearing aid.

On-ear headphones are likely to be less comfortable depending on what type of hearing aid you have. If you are looking for wired headphones to avoid dealing with the hassle of charging your headphones constantly, this is a good option.

As long as they are compatible with your hearing aids, they offer a comfortable wearing experience. You can adjust the headband, and they are extremely lightweight.

Beats is known for delivering some of the best-sounding headphones. These headphones offer a premium listening experience and plenty of volume for those hard of hearing.

While they don’t look like they were designed for seniors, they certainly sound like it. Plus, you will look like the trendiest senior on the block!


Alternative to Bluetooth Headphones for Voice Clarity

BenQ-treVolo-U-SpeakerPin

BenQ treVlo U Dialogue Speaker

$209.00
as of 03/28/2024 9:21 am

For hearing aid users seeking improved audio comprehension without headphones, the BenQ treVolo U Bluetooth Dialogue Speaker provides an excellent alternative.

How the treVolo U Dialogue Speaker Improves Voice Clarity for Older Adults

Its specialized microphone and proprietary voice engine optimize vocal frequencies for clarity. The angled speaker design projects sound directly to the listener while reducing ambient noise distractions.

With easy Bluetooth pairing to smartphones, TVs, and computers, the treVolo U boosts comprehension for phone calls, music, videos, and more without the discomfort and isolation of headphones.

This portable speaker enhances clarity across devices and environments, making it a versatile audio solution for hearing aid wearers aiming to minimize headset usage.

Features to Look for in Headphones (Over and On-Ear Headphones)

1. Noise Cancellation

This should be one of the very first things that you look for when you purchase headphones that would not only be compatible with hearing aids, but that may enhance your listening experience.

Noise cancellation is easily one of the most sought-after features, even among those without hearing loss.

Blocking out ambient noise can make it much easier to listen to music and media at the lowest possible volume. This alone can make these headphones better suited for preventing further hearing loss.

However, for those with established hearing loss, it can make it much easier to distinguish sounds.

While this feature is most prominently found on over-ear headphones, you are starting to see it come to more models. Another benefit for seniors is that this feature can silence crying babies!

Whether you are on a plane or dealing with your loving grandkids, finally you can have some peace and quiet.

2. Comfort

The comfort of the headphones is going to be paramount. As someone older, you may have sensitive ears enough as it is. When you add your hearing aid to the equation, things can get very uncomfortable in a hurry.

The ideal type of headphones you should look for will vary depending on the type of hearing aid you wear. Those who wear in-the-ear hearing aids and other styles that don’t protrude will leave you with many more options.

For those who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, you will likely be much more limited in headphones regarding the comfort they can provide.

3. Accessibility

Accessibility is going to be important for anyone who is less accustomed to using technology. As a senior, you likely have a difficult enough time as it is learning the nuances of every new gadget. The last thing you want is for your earphones to complicate your life.

Luckily, various earphone models are available that offer simplicity in their operation. Whether it comes from intuitive touch controls or a set-it-and-forget-it connection setting, you want to find earphones that aren’t going to force you to fiddle with everything constantly.

4. Volume

The volume is another consideration you must factor into your buying decision. Ideally, you want to find headphones that will output the volume you need for your respective hearing situation.

That being said, you shouldn’t prioritize finding headphones with the highest volume settings.

Instead, you would be better off prioritizing and purchasing headphones that can decrease ambient sounds and noise. That way, you can get the same listening experience at lower volume levels rather than fighting against ambient noise altogether.

4. Long Battery Life

Of course, you want to choose a pair of headphones with long-lasting rechargeable battery so they are always ready to use when you want them. Look closely at the charging process and ensure it is a system you can easily implement. Charging docks are easier to manage than cords that plug into the headphones.

Summary and Final Recommendations

Just because you wear hearing aids doesn’t mean you can’t find a comfortable and compatible pair of headphones. There are so many available nowadays.

The key is finding one that delivers in the comfort department. This will vary depending on the type of hearing aids you wear. Use the criteria above and look at some of the standout models mentioned, and you should be able to find the perfect headphones.

Don't Miss a Beat!

Stay up-to-date with helpful, uplifting insights for living your best years with practical tips and resources to maintain your health, independence, and quality of life as you age gracefully.

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

Learn More Email

Leave a Comment

Share on All Your Favorites
Share on All Your Favorites