TV shows and movies tend to utilize close-ups (at times extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. It’s no stretch to say that humans are very facially focused.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasing qualities.
But this can become problematic when you require numerous assistive devices. It can become a bit cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for instance. It can be somewhat challenging in some circumstances. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will often require a little assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impair each other. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. For many people, wearing them at the same time can result in discomfort.
A few basic concerns can come about:
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; 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.
- 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 properly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this conversation. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit totally in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should talk to us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to go with an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. Some people will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Your glasses might require 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 have large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. Work with your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be sure your glasses fit correctly. 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 affected if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time? Well, If you’re having trouble dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- 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. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these devices.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. These are a great idea if you’re on the more active side.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It’s not a very common complaint but it does occur. In some instances, the feedback you experience may be caused by something else (such as a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, consult us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties linked to wearing hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
Put your glasses put first. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in position, position the shell of your hearing aid between the earpiece of your glasses and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
Adjust both as necessary to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
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 those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to remove earwax and debris.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t wearing them.
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting well, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. At least once a day is the best plan.
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
Occasionally you require professional help
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 determine the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Avoiding problems rather than trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
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 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.