headsets for hearing aid users

[ncbeekeeper]

I have been given (gift) a 512 Ipod Shuffle, and I have it loaded and running, but I have a hearing impairment and wear behind the ear aids. Therefore the hearing "buds" that came with the Ipod are pretty much useless to me. I'm aware this is a normal problem for many users, but I have no idea what accessory equipment is available that best suits my needs. I want to be able to wear my hearing aids and listen to the Ipod at the same time.

Any advice on products or methods are appreciated

[gyptian]

Originally posted by ncbeekeeper
I have been given (gift) a 512 iPod Shuffle, and I have it loaded and running, but I have a hearing impairment and wear behind the ear aids. Therefore the hearing "buds" that came with the iPod are pretty much useless to me. I'm aware this is a normal problem for many users, but I have no idea what accessory equipment is available that best suits my needs. I want to be able to wear my hearing aids and listen to the iPod at the same time.

Any advice on products or methods are appreciated

Your options maybe circumaural or fully-around the ear headphones. Sennheiser makes a ton of them and so do most others. headphone.com can suggest a lot of them. I prefer the Sennheiser HD25 headphones. They may need a volume booster like boosteroo to pump up the volume but you may be able to do without it. Your biggest problem maybe feedback from the hearing aid instrument itself. If your hearing aid produces annoying feedback then your choices are either to fix the hearing aid first before attempting anything else.

[ncbeekeeper]

will I be able to use the Sennheiser HD25s safely while driving?

[gyptian]

Originally posted by ncbeekeeper
will I be able to use the Sennheiser HD25s safely while driving?

No. Its pretty isolating. I dont think you should be using ANY earphone/headphone while driving as it shuts out normal traffic sounds and dulls your senses, its definitely dangerous.
The HD-25's may not completely surround your ears as they are pretty small. If I were you id start of using some of the cheaper Senns like HD 201 which are like $20-30 but sound incredibly good. If it works for you then upgrade at some point later on. But you cant go wrong with these.

[Chewbacca]

Sell you ipod and buy a boom box.

[Jackonicko]

Use portable speakers at home, and a tape adaptor in the car?

[ncbeekeeper]

Thanks, I just ordered the Sennheiser 201s online at $32.95 (ground delivery included) at factoryoutletstore.com

They should be here 3-5 days from NY city. At least this way I won't disturb wife watching TV while I read and listen to the IPOD.

I do like the idea of hearing the IPOD while driving, so might I consider an FM transmitter to listen through the car radio?

If so, any recommendations there?