You’ve likely noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. 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 jam packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But this can become a problem when you need multiple assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. It can be fairly challenging in some situations. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently need a little assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids may impede each other. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them at the same time can result in discomfort.
A few primary concerns can come about:
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; frequently, they use the ear as a good anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can create a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is particularly true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses successfully, though it might seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids 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 talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit nearly entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should speak with us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to opt for an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everyone. Some people will require a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly 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. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to make sure your glasses fit properly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are wiggling around all over the place, you could jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids together? Well, If you’re having difficulty dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by using some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help prevent that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses at the same time. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Retention bands: These bands fit 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.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience could 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.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the issues related to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put on your glasses. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve when it comes 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)
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be amplified. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not wearing them.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to eliminate earwax and debris.
For your glasses:
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently broken or stepped on.
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. Usually, this is at least once a day!
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this could scratch your lenses.
Occasionally you require professional assistance
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to talk to professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Avoiding issues rather than attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening too long (with plenty of close-ups, of course), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can cause some obstacles. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.
