You’ve likely noticed that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face communicates lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that human beings are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. It can be fairly difficult in some circumstances. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will often need a bit of assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impede each other. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. Wearing them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
There are a couple of key concerns:
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging from your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to attach to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is significant to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should speak with us about what type of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
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 might want to consider. To be able to hear adequately, some people need 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 need some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. You will want to get yourself some glasses that have slimmer frames if you use a large BTE hearing aid. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly wiggling around.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? There are lots of other individuals who are dealing with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things just a little bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. These are a good idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all over the place (and potentially taking your hearing aids with them). 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 fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does occur. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience might be triggered by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, you should definitely 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 difficulties associated with using hearing aids and glasses together can be averted by making sure that all of your devices are being worn properly. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
Put your glasses put first. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, 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.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well taken care of, the discord between the two can be increased. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away debris and earwax.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, make sure to keep them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Typically, this is at least once every day!
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
Professional assistance is sometimes required
Though it might not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually call for a professional’s help.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than trying to fix those issues).
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. Sure, it can, at times, be challenging if you need both of these devices. 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 your quality of life.