You’ve likely noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that humans are very facially focused.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is jam packed (in a visually excellent way, of course).
But this can become problematic when you need numerous assistive devices. It can become a bit awkward when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some circumstances, you might even have challenges. 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 common for people to worry that their glasses and hearing aids may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. 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 challenges can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; the ear is the common anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
It might take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant 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 virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s positioned inside the ear canal. You should consult us about what type of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
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 work for everyone. To be able to hear adequately, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses may require some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. Seek advice from your optician to pick out a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids at the same time? Well, If you’re having trouble managing both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one! This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help them stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from sliding all over the place (and possibly moving your hearing aids at the same time). 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 wear your hearing aids and glasses together. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these devices.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some people who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It’s not a really common complaint but it does occur. In some instances, the feedback you experience could be caused by something else (like a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, talk to us about possible fixes.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the issues associated with using glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses put first. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
And that’s it! That being said, 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 maintained, the discord between the two can be increased. Sometimes, things break! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- When you’re not using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. Typically, this is at least once a day!
Professional help is sometimes needed
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they may not seem like it on the surface). 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.
Preventing issues instead of attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
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, obviously), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can create some obstacles. 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.