Movies and TV shows tend to use close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. That’s because the human face communicates lots of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). To say that humans are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasing qualities.
But this can become problematic when you need numerous assistive devices. It can become a bit cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. In some instances, you may even have challenges. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently need a bit of assistance, it’s common for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could impair each other. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. Using them together can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
A few primary concerns can arise:
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging from your face can also sometimes create 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 diminish when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can cause a sense of pressure and pain. This can also create pressure and strain around the temples.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. In general, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this conversation. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are far smaller and fit completely in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should consult us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you may want to go with an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everyone. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals require 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
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a significant effect on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to get yourself some glasses that have slimmer frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. In order to obtain 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 slack. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continuously wiggling around.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having problems dealing with 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. Here are a few of those devices:
- 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 simultaneously. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help them stay in place. These are a great idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all around (and possibly taking your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
Some people who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also possible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should certainly consult us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are worn properly you can avoid many of the problems related to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit right!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put your glasses on. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
That’s all there is to it! That being said, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
Sometimes, friction between your glasses and hearing aids happens because the devices aren’t working as designed. Sometimes, things break! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not using them.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- 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. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
Professional assistance is sometimes required
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (although they might not seem like it on the surface). This means that it’s important to speak with professionals who can help you determine 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 down the road (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than attempting to address those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight with each other. Sure, it can, sometimes, be a challenge if you require both of these devices. But we can help you pick the best 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.
