Hearing aids have come a long way over the years in terms of size, technology and style. Modern
hearing care solutions can be quite discreet. However, some people still prefer to disguise their
hearing device or may have older, bulkier models that are more noticeable. Looking to vintage
hairstyles and fashion trends can provide creative ways to conceal hearing devices. With strategic
styling, accessories and clothing choices, hearing aids can be cleverly camouflaged.
Big Hair Styles
Voluminous, teased hair was very on-trend in the 1960s and 1980s. These big hair styles provide
ample coverage to hide behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid models. Backcombing or teasing the hair at
the temples covers the hearing device profile. Pairing the hairstyle with bold makeup and jewelry draws
the eye upwards. Stiff hairsprays keep styles locked in place. Adding hairpieces or extensions also
adds fullness to provide concealment. Those with thinner hair may opt for a wig styled into ample
curls, flips or height. For men, fuller sideburns and mutton chop styles distract from BTE hearing
aids. Mustaches were also popular in the 1970s and 80s, blending with sideburns to disguise hearing
hardware.
Headbands and Scarves
Headbands and scarves anchored right above the ears securely cover hearing aids. Turbans and
structured headwraps were very chic in the 1950s and 60s. Silk, jersey or chiffon scarves tied in place
make a glamorous statement. The large bows and floral embellishments of 1940s styles divert
attention. Bold headbands, nets and snoods worn by flappers in the 1920s and 30s also neatly
disguise hearing aids beneath their ornamentation. For men, patterned neckerchiefs folded and tied
behind the neck hid hearing aids while adding an adventurous flair in the 1970s.
Hats and Fascinators
Hats and fascinators remain a popular way to creatively conceal hearing aids for both men and
women. Wide-brimmed hats, helmet styles, cloches, turbans and visors all help hide BTE profiles.
Placing hearing aids under the hat rather than behind the ear ensures the tubing is out of sight.
Dramatic feathers, flowers and veils draw the gaze upwards to ornate fascinators rather than to the
hearing aids underneath. Men’s fedoras, Panama hats, driving caps and newsboy caps offer coverage
when tipped at an angle.
Bold Eyewear
Oversized sunglasses and eyeglasses make a bold fashion statement while disguising hearing aids.
The emergence of statement eyewear began in the 1950s with cat-eye frames. In the 1960s and 70s,
round granny glasses and tinted aviator styles rose to popularity. Extra-large eyewear returned in
the 1990s and early 2000s. The earpieces and temples of bigger frames creatively integrate and
minimize hearing hardware. Clear plastic frames best conceal color tubing. Mirrored lenses add retro
flair while helping hide behind-the-ear profiles.
Long and Voluminous Hairstyles
Long, loose hairstyles provide natural camouflage of hearing aids with their length and volume.
Elements of 1970s style with straight, middle-parted locks or layered cuts with feathery fringes and
flips work beautifully. For short or thin hair, extensions or wig styles with length and layers maximize
coverage. Creating a “mop top” of bangs swept entirely over the forehead as popularized by The
Beatles also conceals hearing aids. Volume at the sides traps tubing against the head beneath
tresses. Deep side parts, worn by men and women alike in the 1970s, sweep hair over hearing aids.
Statement Necklaces and Collars
Drawing the eye downward with bold necklaces minimizes the visibility of BTE hearing aids. Chunky
chains, beaded bibs, sparkling gems on chokers and polished pearls command attention. Since
hearing aid tubing is often in skin tone shades, nude, cream or pearlized jewelry blends most
seamlessly. Pussycat bows, jabots, ruffles and lace collars worn in Edwardian times through the
1950s surround the neckline for disguise. Scarves and neckerchiefs tied in front create a focal point
and provide coverage.
High Collars and Statement Sleeves
Many vintage and retro fashion silhouettes naturally conceal hearing aids. Mandarin collars and
mock turtlenecks cover necklines. Dramatic 1970s pointed collars drew eyes downward away from
the ears. Victoriana blouses with leg of mutton sleeves, frothy gigot sleeves or flouncy poet sleeves
divert attention from behind-the-ear hearing aids. Puffed shoulders, an iconic 1980s trend, also
minimize hearing hardware profiles. For men, popped collars on polo shirts or high-necked tunics
obscure aids.
Cuffed, Crimped and Curled Hair
Short curly hair provides camouflage for behind-the-ear hearing aids, sealing them in place against
the head. Perms were popular for women in the 1980s, but short natural curls conceal just as well.
Finger waves and marcel curls were worn in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. For men, tight afro curls and
crimped styles hide tubing against the scalp. Creating height at the crown rather than the sides shifts
focus. Sculpted pompadours lift short hair up and off the ears. When curls cover the tops of the ears,
hearing aids escape detection.
Strategic Accessorizing
Jewelry, pins, barrettes and hair clips can creatively disguise hearing aid tubing and draw the eye.
Clip-on earrings balance out the ears. Brooches pinned at the temple hide tubing. Baroque pearl
drops, enameled flowers or fabric bows attached with bobby pins decorate the hair and hearing
aids. Headwraps with decorative beading along the edges camouflage BTEs. Dangling ear cuffs
integrate tubing while dazzling. Wide sequined and bejeweled headbands sit forward to obscure
aids.
Play with Patterns and Prints
Strategic use of prints also camouflages hearing aids seamlessly. Bold polka dots, graphic stripes and
paisleys surround and disguise hardware. Florals and ornate patterns embellish the profile. Plaids,
checks and houndstooth placed at the temples obscure tubing. For men, small-scale tattersall,
gingham and tweed blazers integrate aids. Ombre hair dye jobs blending from dark to light draw the
eye down the length of hair, minimizing focus on aids.
With some creativity and fashion flair, hearing aids can be cleverly concealed and complemented.
Vintage hairstyles, accessories and clothing silhouettes provide ample options to disguise hearing
hardware in flattering ways. Both men and women can use retro styling to integrate hearing aids
discreetly. Coordinating color tubing with hair or clothing helps aids blend seamlessly. As technology
continues advancing, hearing devices become ever more discreet. But for those with noticeable aids,
vintage inspired style choices offer solutions with panache.
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