You’ve likely noted that when movies or television shows get really intense, they begin 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 extremely facially centered.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, and mouth, nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become problematic when you require multiple assistive devices. It can become a little cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. It can be fairly challenging in some circumstances. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently need a little assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could hinder each other. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. For many individuals, using them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
There are a couple of key concerns:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can create a sense of pressure and pain. This can also create pressure and strain around the temples.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than ideal audio quality.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging from your face can also sometimes create skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is especially true.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
How to use glasses and hearing aids together
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. 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.
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 weaknesses, so you should talk to us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you may want to opt for an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. Some individuals will require a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. You will want to get yourself some glasses with thinner frames if you use a large BTE hearing aid. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit properly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids at the same time? Well, If you’re having difficulty 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:
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help them stay in place. These are a great idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from sliding all over the place (and possibly moving your hearing aids with them). They function like a retention band but are more subtle.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you make use of the wide variety of devices available designed to do just that. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
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?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also possible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should definitely consult us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the challenges related to wearing hearing aids and glasses together can be averted by making sure that all of your devices are being worn properly. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
First put your glasses on. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as necessary to be comfortable, then put 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 knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your glasses and hearing aids occurs 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:
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t using them.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate debris and earwax.
- Be certain to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Usually, this is at least once a day!
Professional help is occasionally required
Though it might not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. 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.
Preventing problems rather than trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Sure, it can, sometimes, be challenging if you need both of these devices. 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 your quality of life.
