You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are very facially centered.
So having all of your primary human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is cram packed (in a visually excellent way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. It can be somewhat difficult in some circumstances. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many individuals, using them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging from your face. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than ideal audio quality.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; usually, they use the ear as an effective anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can create a sense of pain and pressure. This can also develop strain and pressure around the temples.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses together
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work you will need to do. For the objective of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. There’s normally absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and weaknesses, so you should consult us about what kind of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. To be able to hear adequately, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you have. You will want to invest in glasses with slimmer frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, seek advice from your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continually wiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids together? There are lots of other people who are dealing with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a good idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from sliding all around (and potentially taking your hearing aids at the same time). They work like a retention band but are more subtle.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses at the same time. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
Some people who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It’s not a very common complaint but it does happen. In some instances, the feedback you experience might be triggered by something else (like a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, get in touch with us about possible solutions.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the problems associated with wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
Put your glasses put first. After all, your glasses are fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Then, carefully position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
And that’s it! Sort of, there’s definitely a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
Sometimes, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t functioning as intended. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be sure to store them somewhere dry and clean.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
For your glasses:
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. Normally, this is at least once every day!
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
Occasionally you require professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (even though they may not seem like it on the surface). This means that it’s important to speak with professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Avoiding issues instead of attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Certainly, needing both of these devices can initiate some challenges. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.