You’ve probably noticed that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that human beings are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jam packed (in an aesthetically excellent way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. It can be fairly difficult in some circumstances. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for people to worry that their glasses and hearing aids may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. Wearing them together can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; usually, they use the ear as an effective anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. This can also develop pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging off your face. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
Using glasses and hearing aids together
It may take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this conversation. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite 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.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re attached 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 consult 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 may want to think about. Some individuals will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation 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 significant influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. The quality of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can glasses and hearing 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 just a little bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses together. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from sliding all over the place (and possibly taking your hearing aids at the same time). They work like a retention band but are less obvious.
The goal 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 if you’re wearing glasses?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. But it’s also possible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should certainly contact us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the problems linked to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit well is the key!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses put first. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as necessary to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses 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 maintained, the discord between the two can be amplified. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to eliminate earwax and debris.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, make sure to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
For your glasses:
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
Occasionally you need professional help
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to talk to professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than trying to fix those problems).
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. Certainly, needing both of these devices can cause some challenges. But we can help you pick 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.