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 having all of your primary human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. It can become a bit awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some circumstances, you might even have difficulties. You will have an easier time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many people. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. For many people, wearing them together can lead to discomfort.
A few basic concerns can arise:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging from your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is especially true.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; usually, they use the ear as an effective anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it might seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. For the intention of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are far smaller and fit totally 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. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. You should speak with us about what type of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everybody but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. To be able to hear adequately, some people require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. Work with your optician to select 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 loose. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continuously jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having difficulty handling both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things a little bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- 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 person, these are a practical idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses at the same time. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses may trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It’s not a really common complaint but it does occur. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should definitely contact 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 prevent many of the issues related to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. In terms of 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. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
Adjust both as needed to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve when it comes to putting on and taking off your glasses 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 maintained, the discord between the two can be amplified. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate debris and ear wax.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not wearing them.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- 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.
Professional help is occasionally required
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they might not seem like it on the surface). This means that it’s crucial to talk to 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 down the road (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting to address those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate some obstacles. But we can help you select 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.