You’ve likely noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face conveys a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are extremely facially centered.
So having all of your primary human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasing attributes.
But this can become problematic when you require numerous assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… cumbersome. In some instances, you might even have difficulties. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
It’s common for individuals to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses might 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 at the same time can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
There are a couple of principal challenges:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; frequently, they use the ear as a good anchor. But when your ears have to hold on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also create pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging off your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it might seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses at the same time
It might take a little bit of 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 discussion. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit entirely in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should talk to us about what type of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
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 style of device won’t be the best choice for everyone. To be able to hear adequately, some people 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.
Adjust your glasses
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you have large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too slack. The caliber of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continually wiggling around.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids together? There are lots of other people who are dealing with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things a bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- 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 individual, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety 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 position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from sliding all over the place (and possibly moving your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
These devices are designed to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses produce hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses may trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does occur. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, you should certainly contact us if you think your glasses may 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 prevent many of the problems associated with using glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
Put your glasses put first. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in position, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
And that’s it! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses 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 intended. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t using them.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate earwax and debris.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- Make sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently broken or stepped on.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
Occasionally you need professional assistance
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (although they might not seem like it at first glance). This means that it’s essential to speak with 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 attempting to address those problems).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on too long (with plenty of close-ups, of course), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Sure, it can, at times, be a challenge if you require both of these devices. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.