Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (at times extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. It’s no stretch to say that human beings are very facially centered.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But this can become an issue when you need multiple assistive devices. It can become a bit cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. It can be rather challenging in some situations. You will have a simpler time using your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage 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 conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many individuals, using them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
A few primary concerns can arise:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the common anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can cause a sense of pressure and pain. This can also create pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging from your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than perfect audio quality.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
How to use 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 it will take. For the objective of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. There’s usually absolutely no clash between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should speak with us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everybody but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. Some individuals will need 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
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable effect on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you have large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. Work with your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
And it’s also important to be certain your glasses fit securely. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too slack. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly wiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids together? Well, If you’re having trouble handling both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things a bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help keep them in place. These are a good idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be a lot easier if you make use of the wide variety of devices available designed to do just that. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They work like a retention band but are less obvious.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also feasible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should certainly contact us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the problems linked to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in place, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
Adjust both as needed to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
And that’s it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your glasses and hearing aids occurs because the devices aren’t functioning as intended. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t wearing them.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away earwax and debris.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be accidentally broken or stepped on.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. At least once a day is the best plan.
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this could scratch your lenses.
Occasionally you need professional help
Though it might not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to speak with professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting to address those problems).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to recognize that hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight with each other. Sure, it can, sometimes, be a challenge if you require both of these devices. But we can help you pick the best hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on enjoying time with your family.