You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (maybe even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that human beings are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your main human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become an issue when you need numerous assistive devices. It can become a little awkward when you use 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 using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently need a bit of assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could impair each other. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Using them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some people.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging from your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the common anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses effectively, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses together
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work you will need to do. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit nearly entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. 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 sits in your ear canal. You should talk to us about what type of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own advantages and drawbacks).
If you use 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 work for everyone. To be able to hear sufficiently, some people 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 need some adjustment
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you have 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, seek advice from your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids together? There are lots of other individuals who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things just a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses at the same time. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- 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 individual, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help stop that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses may cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. But it’s also possible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are to blame, get in touch with us about possible solutions.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties connected to using hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being worn properly. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
And that’s 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 place.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your glasses and hearing aids occurs because the devices aren’t working as intended. Sometimes, things break! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away earwax and debris.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not wearing them.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
- Use 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.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
Professional assistance is occasionally required
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to speak with professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Preventing issues rather than attempting to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help to start with.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening too long (with plenty of close-ups, of course), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Certainly, needing both of these devices can cause some obstacles. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.