Songs connected to a person's life can invite recognition, emotion, movement and conversation. Each person's response is different; familiar music can offer a meaningful way to connect, alongside the care and support they already receive.

Press and hold the play button for several seconds to turn the player on or off. The volume buttons can also move to the next or previous track. Printed instructions are included with the headset.

It works well for some people who wear hearing aids, but not for everyone. If possible, try over-ear headphones playing music before requesting a headset, and check that the fit and sound are comfortable for the person who will use it.

The music is stored on the headset's microSD card. Updating it requires access to the card, a computer and music files in MP3 format. If you are passing along a working headset, contact us about preparing a new personalized SD card for its next listener.

The play button can take a firm, several-second press to turn the player on or off. A care partner can help locate and press the button, then make sure the headset is positioned comfortably. The included instructions and video show how the controls work.

The music player is built into the wireless over-ear headset, and the personalized songs are preloaded. It does not need a phone, streaming, an app or Wi-Fi. Three simple controls operate the player.

Healing Headsets are gifted to eligible U.S. families at no charge. Donations are welcome and help make more headsets available. New headset requests are temporarily paused and are scheduled to reopen November 4, 2026.

Yes. Visit our program page for information and practical resources for Memory Café and respite leaders. Availability and program details are explained there.

The free family program is for people in the United States living with dementia or Parkinson's. The usual limit is one headset per household. Requests are temporarily paused and are scheduled to reopen November 4, 2026.

Healing Headsets is a free service, and replacements are not automatic. We generally provide one headset per household and consider replacement requests case by case; please contact us first so we can understand what happened. If a replacement is appropriate more than three months after the original headset was received, we strongly encourage a donation of $37, the value of the headset, plus shipping to help cover the cost of providing another one.

If the headset still works well, please consider passing it along to someone in need. We can prepare a new SD card with personalized music and mail it directly to the next recipient. You can also mail a working headset back to us; we are unable to provide return packaging or cover postage.

There is no single listening time that suits everyone. Notice how the person responds, and use the music as a shared engagement activity. Stay attentive and follow the person's comfort, preferences and care plan.

Some care partners use a person's preferred music before or during everyday routines. Responses vary, so follow the person's cues and work within their care plan; music is not a substitute for medical advice or care.

No. Healing Headsets is an independent nonprofit program focused on personalized music and accessible, easy-to-use music players.

No. A Healing Headset is a simple music-listening device with a personalized playlist. It is not music therapy, and it does not replace care from a qualified health professional.