Is it possible to comfortably wear hearing aids at the same time as you are wearing your glasses, even though the two don’t seem very harmonious? How to wear both is a question that comes up a lot, particularly if you are considering behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Here’s the question, can I use them both comfortably? The answer is yes.
Before picking out new hearing aids, there are certain things to consider if you wear glasses. Use these suggestions to make sure your hearing aids and glasses work well together.
Choosing The Hearing Aids Which Best Serve Your Needs
There are quite a few things, in general, to consider when investing in new hearing aids. Hearing aids come in all sizes, styles, and shapes. They even offer them in stylish colors if you like that type of thing. Modern high tech hearing aids are not the same as the ones that grandpa used.
Understanding exactly what kind of hearing aids are out there is the way to begin the process. They break down into three basic categories:
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name suggests, this style of hearing aid fits right into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing sitting behind the ear.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is far more advanced. With this model, the main section of the device mounts directly behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold sitting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit versions are basically the same setup except without the earmold.
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is very much like the ITE model but it sits deeper inside the ear, making them virtually invisible.
ITE and ITC versions will allow people who wear glasses to avoid many pitfalls. The features of your new hearing aid should be considered after deciding on a style.
Understanding The Different Features
It’s really the features not the shape of the hearing aid that should be your prime consideration when researching. Hearing aid technology is evolving all the time, so features constantly change. Watch for some of these common ones:
- Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear while you are in a noisy spot. For example, if someone is talking to you at a restaurant, you will be able to hear their words clearly despite the noise all around you.
- T-coil – This feature permits you to hear better while talking on a land-line phone. T-coil technology is useful if you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at church or at the movies.
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to enhance speech.
Your aim is to determine the best set of features and functions to fit your lifestyle. After that selecting the style should be easy.
What if You Want BTE Hearing Aids?
BTE hearing aids can be worn with glasses. The trick is to wear both of these essential accessories correctly, so they are comfortable. Here are some tips:
- First put your glasses on, then put in your hearing aid. Positioning of the hearing aid unit is a little more flexible so you can maneuver it around the arm of the glasses to make it comfortable. To be certain that the hearing aid isn’t hanging from your outer ear, after you position it, check in the mirror.
- Think about the size of the BTE hearing aids before buying. Although it’s a little bit bulky, the standard version will still work with glasses. The other alternative is a relatively new style called mini BTE. The portion that fits behind the ear is a lot smaller for enhanced comfort and also to reduce the feedback that you sometimes have with the BTE units. The only sure way to tell which one will work best for you is to try them both.
- Using both hands, and in a forward motion, practice removing your glasses. It’s going to take time to make this movement a habit. Every time you knock off your hearing aids, though, will help to develop the practice.
The only choice for those who have a real issue wearing a BTE device with glasses would be the ITE or ITC devices. For instance, if you take off your glasses a lot, BTE devices will be a much greater burden. Children will commonly have trouble with this kind of hearing aid and also adults with small ears. Most reputable hearing aid retailers will give a trial period, so schedule an appointment to see what model is best for you. Whether or not you can wear both will be evident after you try them.