You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (maybe even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that human beings are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasing attributes.
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. In some instances, 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 hinder wearing glasses?
As both your eyes and your ears will often require a bit of assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids may impede each other. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. Using them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
A few basic concerns can arise:
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging off your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; frequently, they use the ear as an effective anchor. But when your ears have to hang 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.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, resulting in 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 mutually exclusive.
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
It might take a little 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 pertinent 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 clash 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 leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should consult us about what kind of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to go with an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everyone. Some individuals will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a significant effect on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you use large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, seek advice from your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? There are lots of other individuals who are dealing with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. 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:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all over the place (and possibly moving your hearing aids with them). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help them stay in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses together. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses may trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It’s not a very common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, you should definitely consult us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can avoid many of the issues related to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit well is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
Put your glasses put first. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. 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.
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 position.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well taken care of, the discord between the two can be increased. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to get rid of earwax and debris.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them.
For your glasses:
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this could scratch your lenses.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Usually, this is at least once every day!
Professional assistance is occasionally required
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. 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 issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening 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. Certainly, needing both of these devices can initiate some obstacles. But we can help you select 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.
