You’ve probably noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin 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). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are very facially focused.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is jam packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. It can be somewhat difficult in some circumstances. These tips on how to wear 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 common for people to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them together can result in discomfort.
A few basic concerns can arise:
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging from your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than perfect audio quality.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to attach to your face somehow; frequently, they use the ear as a good anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
How to wear glasses and hearing aids together
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work you will need to do. 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 nearly entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should speak with us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to choose an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everybody. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses may require some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you have. You will want to invest in glasses that have slimmer frames if you use 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 significant to be certain your glasses fit correctly. 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 may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn together? There are lots of other individuals who are dealing with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by using some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses together. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help prevent that. They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
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 properly worn you can prevent many of the issues related to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put your glasses on. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in place, position the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Having said that, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on 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 working as designed. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to remove earwax and debris.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be sure to store them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently broken or stepped on.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
Professional help is occasionally needed
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally require a professional’s help.
Avoiding problems rather than trying to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help in the beginning.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
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 need to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate some challenges. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.
