Hearing-impaired Audio Devices: Classifications, Choices, and Substitutes
In today's world, technology has made significant strides in catering to the needs of individuals with hearing impairments. From public spaces like churches, universities, and airports broadcasting telecoil signals, to a variety of headphones designed specifically for those with hearing difficulties, there are numerous options available to help people with hearing impairment enjoy music, watch television, and attend online meetings.
Bone-Conduction Headphones
For those who prefer bone-conduction technology, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 and Mojawa HaptiFit Terra are highly regarded. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 offers an open-ear design, keeping ears free and improving environmental awareness, which is particularly beneficial for hearing-impaired users who need situational awareness. The Mojawa HaptiFit Terra includes haptic feedback and extensive features, but at a higher price point.
Noise-Reducing and Noise-Isolating Hearing Devices
For individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, the Eargo 7 and Sennheiser All-Day Clear are excellent choices. The Eargo 7 delivers excellent speech clarity, noise reduction, and amplification, with app-controlled presets for settings like “restaurant” or “music.” They are rechargeable and discreet in-ear devices, making them suitable for privacy and ease of use. The Sennheiser All-Day Clear is a behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid with high-quality sound processing, strong background noise management, and rechargeable batteries lasting up to 16 hours.
Wireless and Wired Options
Most advanced hearing aids, such as the Eargo 7 and Sennheiser All-Day Clear, are wireless with Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone integration. Bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are wireless, supporting active lifestyles. Wired headphones specifically designed for hearing impairment were not highlighted in the sources, indicating that wireless options dominate this category.
Other Options
For those who prefer over-the-ear headphones, the Avantree HT280 Wireless TV Headphones offer 2.4 gigahertz wireless technology and a plug and play feature that syncs headphones to other devices automatically. These devices are louder than regular headphones and come with adjustable volume and tone settings. Individuals can adjust the sound settings for each ear's device separately if they have a hearing impairment in one ear.
Neck loops, wires that people can wear around their neck to listen to various audio devices through their hearing aids, are also popular. Many neck loops are compatible with cochlear implants and hearing aids with telecoils.
Caution
When using headphones, it's crucial to exercise caution when increasing the volume to prevent hearing damage from excess sound levels.
In conclusion, the best headphones for people with hearing impairment in 2022 include a variety of options across bone-conduction, noise-reducing, noise-isolating, wireless, and wired types, catering to different hearing needs and preferences. The selection depends on user preferences for invisibility, environmental sound awareness, and technology integration.
- The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 and Mojawa HaptiFit Terra are highly-regarded bone-conduction headphones for people with hearing impairments, offering benefits such as open-ear design and haptic feedback, respectively.
- The Eargo 7 and Sennheiser All-Day Clear are excellent choices for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, providing features like app-controlled presets, high-quality sound processing, and strong background noise management.
- Other options for people with hearing impairments include the Avantree HT280 Wireless TV Headphones, which offer adjustable volume and tone settings, and neck loops that work with cochlear implants and telecoil-enabled hearing aids.
