You’ve probably noticed that when movies or television shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). To say that humans are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jam packed (in a visually excellent way, of course).
But this can become problematic when you require multiple assistive devices. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. In some circumstances, you may even have difficulties. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses may conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many individuals. 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 cause discomfort.
A few basic challenges can arise:
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix 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 feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging from your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
Every style of hearing aid will be appropriate 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 totally in your ear. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s positioned inside the ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should talk to us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everybody but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. Some individuals will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they can still make it work with glasses.
Your glasses might need some adjustment
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you use 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.
And it’s also important to be sure your glasses fit securely. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you may compromise your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use 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 alone! This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things just a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses together. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
- 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 person, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help stop that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
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. It’s not a really common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also feasible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are to blame, talk to us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the problems linked to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put your glasses on. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in place, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
Adjust both as necessary in order to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
And that’s it! That being said, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be increased. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often 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 debris and earwax.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t using them.
- Be certain to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- When you’re not using, keep in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry place where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Your lenses could easily become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Sometimes you require professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (even though they might not seem like it on the surface). So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will typically require a professional’s help.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than attempting to address those issues).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate some challenges. But we can help you pick the right 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.
