TV shows and movies tend to utilize close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. To say that human beings are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
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 pleasant attributes.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. It can be somewhat challenging in some situations. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to be concerned 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 limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them together can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of main challenges:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the common anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than ideal audio quality.
- 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 properly, this is especially true.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
How to use glasses and hearing aids at the same time
It might take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can be compatible 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 really small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should speak with us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everybody but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to think about. Some people will need 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 may need some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you use large BTE devices, get some glasses that have slimmer 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 properly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. The caliber of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continuously jiggling around.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? There are a lot of other people who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from sliding all around (and potentially taking your hearing aids at the same time). They work like a retention band but are more subtle.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help them stay in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you make use of the wide variety of devices on the market designed to do just that. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
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 individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also feasible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, you should certainly contact us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems related to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
First put your glasses on. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in position, position 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.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put 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 removing your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be increased. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t using them.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate earwax and debris.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might 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 a day!
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be accidentally broken or stepped on.
Professional help is sometimes needed
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. This means that it’s important 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 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
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on 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 cause 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 your quality of life.