Headphones

There are no headphones specifically designed for deaf children and young people. However, they can visit electronics stores to find headphones or headsets that work best for their needs, allowing them to listen to audio and music independently.

Features of deaf-friendly headphones

When trying on over-the-ear headphones or headsets, consider the following features:

• Comfort: Make sure the ear cups fit comfortably around hearing devices, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, and have enough padding to sit comfortably over the ears. Some headphones have rotating ear cups which help adjust to the position of hearing devices.
• Volume: Some headphones let you adjust the volume for each ear separately, which is ideal for users with unilateral or mixed hearing loss. Make sure the volume is set to a comfortable and safe level. The volume should not exceed 80dB, which is considered the maximum safe level of listening.
• Size: Check if the headband can be adjusted to make the headphones fit properly. If the headphones are too big, they can slip down and pull off the user's hearing devices. They should be snug enough to stay in place but not so tight that they pinch or cause discomfort.

Bone conduction headphones

Bone conduction headphones send sound directly into the inner ear using vibrations. They are typically worn like a headband, with the vibrating parts placed on the cheekbones just in front of the ears.

These headphones may be useful for those with conductive deafness, including children with temporary hearing loss due to glue ear or ear infections. They may not be as effective for those with sensorineural deafness. Find out more about the different types of deafness.

One example of a bone conduction headset is the HearGlueEar device.

Where to get headphones

You can buy headphones online or in store from many different retailers. If you need financial support to purchase headphones, see our money and benefits pages.