Is it even possible to comfortably wear hearing aids while you are also wearing your glasses, despite the fact that the two don’t seem very harmonious? This typical question is especially true if you are looking at a behind-the-ear (BTE) model. Is it even possible to wear them both and still be comfortable? The answer is yes.
People who wear glasses need to think about some factors before investing in new hearing aids. Learn the secrets to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time.
There Are a Few Types of Hearing Aids That Might Work For Your Needs
There are quite a few factors, in general, to think about when purchasing new hearing aids. Styles, sizes, and shapes are all customizations that are available. You can even get a cool color if you like. The point is, the time of wearing hearing aids like your grandpa did is gone.
Finding out exactly what type of hearing aids are available is the way to start the process. They divide into three basic categories:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is way more advanced. With this style, 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 models are basically the same setup but without the earmold.
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is a lot like the ITE version but it sits deeper inside the ear, making them nearly invisible.
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name suggests, this format of hearing aid fits directly into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing mounted behind the ear.
ITE and ITC versions will allow people who wear glasses to avoid many pitfalls. You can go over the many features of a new hearing aid, but first, you need to decide on the right style.
Getting to Know The Features
It’s really the features not the shape of the hearing aid that should be your main concern when researching. Hearing aid technology is evolving all the time, so features constantly change. Watch for some of these common ones:
- T-coil – This function 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 on the radio.
- Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear while you are in a noisy space. For instance, if someone is talking to you at a restaurant, you can hear their words clearly in spite of the noise all around you.
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to augment speech.
Your objective is to determine the right set of features to fit your lifestyle. After that choosing the style should be easy.
What if You Want BTE Hearing Aids?
It is possible to wear BTE hearing aids with glasses. The secret is to wear both of these important accessories correctly, so they fit comfortably. Here are some tips:
- Your hearing aid should be put on after you put your glasses on. Placement of the hearing aid unit is a little bit more flexible so you can work it in around the arm of the glasses to make it comfortable. Check in the mirror after positioning the hearing aid so you will know it looks discrete and isn’t hanging off your pinna, the outer part of the ear.
- With both hands, and in a forward motion, practice removing your glasses. Taking them off in this way won’t become a habit right away. If you forget to do this motion you will knock off your hearing aid and that will help reinforce the practice.
- Think about the size of the BTE hearing aids before buying. There is the standard version, which can be a little bit bulky but can still work with glasses. A newer style choice is the mini BTE. Decreased feedback and enhanced comfort are gained by making the behind the ear portion smaller. The only certain way to tell which one will work best for you is to try them both.
ITE and ITC styles are the only choices for those people that can’t wear a BTE device with their glasses. BTE devices will be a hassle if, for example, you take off your glasses a lot. This combination will also be a struggle for people with small ears and for children. If you schedule an appointment with a hearing aid professional you can get a free trial period to see which style is best for you. Use this trial to determine if you can wear both or not.
