You’ve probably noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). To say that human beings are very facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jam packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. It can be somewhat challenging in some circumstances. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids conflict with 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 limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can produce a sense of pain and pressure. This can also produce pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging off your face. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
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 contradictory.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses at the same time
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost 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 drawbacks, so you should speak with us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to think about. To be able to hear adequately, some people require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you use large BTE devices, get some glasses that have slimmer frames. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also important to make sure your glasses fit properly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. The quality of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having difficulty managing both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things a little bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all around (and possibly taking your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices on the market created to do just that. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a practical idea.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
Some people who wear glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience may be triggered by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, you should certainly consult us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the challenges related to wearing hearing aids and glasses together can be avoided by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
First put your glasses on. 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.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
And that’s it! That being said, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
In some cases, friction between your glasses and hearing aids happens because the devices aren’t working as intended. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate debris and earwax.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, make sure to keep them somewhere clean and dry.
- Make sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- When you’re not using, keep in a case. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
Sometimes you need professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they may not seem like it at first glance). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will typically require a professional’s help.
Preventing issues instead of trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
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 have to fight with each other. Yes, needing both of these devices can create some obstacles. But we can help you select 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.
