You’ve likely noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). 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 humans 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 packed with aesthetically pleasing attributes.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. It can become a bit cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some instances, you may even have challenges. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
It’s common for people to worry that their hearing aids and glasses might conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many individuals, wearing them at the same time can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging from your face can also sometimes create skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is especially true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; often, they use the ear as an effective anchor. But when your ears have to hold on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
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 might seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
Using hearing aids and glasses together
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 relevant to this conversation. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, 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. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should speak with us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everyone. Some individuals will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a considerable influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to invest in glasses with thinner frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
And it’s also important to be certain your glasses fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. The caliber of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having difficulty managing both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can knock your hearing aid out of position and these devices help stop that. They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you make use of the wide variety of devices available created 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. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good idea.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. And it does happen, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience might be caused 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.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the issues associated with wearing glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put on your glasses. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Then, carefully position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as necessary in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Having said that, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
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 often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to keep them somewhere clean and dry.
For your glasses:
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. Typically, this is at least once a day!
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may 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 broken or stepped on.
Professional help is sometimes needed
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (although they might not seem like it at first glance). This means that it’s crucial to talk to professionals who can help you determine 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 later on (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting 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 recognize that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Certainly, needing both of these devices can create some obstacles. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.