You’ve likely noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (maybe even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are extremely facially centered.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, and mouth, nose. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasing qualities.
But this can become problematic when you require numerous assistive devices. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. In some instances, you may even have challenges. You will have a simpler time using your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s common for individuals to worry that their glasses and hearing aids might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many people, wearing them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
A few primary concerns can arise:
- 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 mounted on your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than ideal audio quality.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every style of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work it will take. In general, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are far smaller and fit completely in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should consult us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to choose an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals 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 may need some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a significant influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, get some glasses that have slimmer frames. Seek advice from your optician to pick out a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are jiggling around all over the place, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time? Well, If you’re having problems managing both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be much easier if you take advantage of the wide range of devices available designed to do just that. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these devices.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They work like a retention band but are more subtle.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does occur. 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 to blame, consult us about possible fixes.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can avoid many of the issues linked to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Once you have your glasses in place, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
And that’s it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Maintain 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 with a little maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to remove debris and earwax.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
Occasionally you need professional assistance
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (although they may not seem like it at first glance). So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally 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 preventing problems rather than attempting to address those problems).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Certainly, needing both of these devices can create some challenges. 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.