You’ve probably noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that humans are very facially focused.
So having all of your main 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 when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… cumbersome. In some cases, you may even have challenges. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s common for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. For many people, wearing them together can lead to discomfort.
A few basic concerns can come about:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging off your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is particularly true.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached 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 cause a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Using hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little bit of 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 significant to this discussion. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit entirely 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. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should talk to us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everybody but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. Some people will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a considerable impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to get yourself some glasses with slimmer frames if you use a large BTE hearing aid. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too slack. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having trouble dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, 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.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a practical idea.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold 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 might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience might be caused by something else (like a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are to blame, talk to us about possible fixes.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems associated with wearing hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be averted by ensuring that all of your devices are being worn properly. Having them fit well is the key!
You can do that by using these tips:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, carefully position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Kind of, there’s definitely a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your glasses and hearing aids occurs because the devices aren’t functioning as intended. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Be certain to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to get rid of debris and ear wax.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be certain to keep them somewhere clean and dry.
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
Sometimes you need professional assistance
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (although they may not seem like it at first glance). 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 later on (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than trying to fix those problems).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to recognize that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Certainly, needing both of these devices can create some challenges. But we can help you choose 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.