Movies and TV shows tend to use close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that human beings are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. It can become a bit cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. It can be somewhat difficult in some circumstances. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to worry that their hearing aids and glasses may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many people, using them together can lead to discomfort.
A few basic concerns can come about:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; the ear is the common anchor. But when your ears have to hold on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging from your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than ideal audio quality.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
It may take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. In general, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually never have a negative relationship with 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 situated inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you may want to opt for an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everybody. Some people 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.
Your glasses might need some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a significant impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? 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 easier by using some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. These are a great idea if you’re a more active person.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you make use of the wide variety of devices available created to do just that. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from sliding all over the place (and potentially taking your hearing aids with them). They’re a bit 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 with glasses?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. 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.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems associated with wearing hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be averted by ensuring that all of your devices are being worn properly. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
First put on your glasses. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
And that’s it! Kind of, there’s definitely a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
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. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to get rid of earwax and debris.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not wearing them.
- Be certain to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently broken or stepped on.
Professional assistance is occasionally needed
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
Avoiding problems rather than trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
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, obviously), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Sure, it can, sometimes, 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.
