Movies and TV shows tend to use close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are extremely facially focused.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But this can become problematic when you need numerous assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. In some circumstances, you might even have difficulties. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s common for people to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses might conflict 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 limitations. For many individuals, using them at the same time can result in discomfort.
A few basic concerns can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than perfect audio quality.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; frequently, they use the ear as a good anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. This can also produce pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging from your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Using hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little bit of work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this conversation. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit nearly entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. There’s normally absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and 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 situated inside the ear canal. You should consult us about what type of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own advantages and drawbacks).
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you may want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. Some people will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they can still make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you have large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, seek advice from your optician.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit correctly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continuously wiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? Well, If you’re having difficulty dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety 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 hearing aids built right in.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help stop that. They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
These devices are made 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?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It’s not a really common complaint but it does occur. But it’s also possible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, you should certainly consult us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the issues related to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit right!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. In terms of 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 the earpiece of your glasses and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
Adjust both as necessary in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
And that’s 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 position.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
In some cases, friction between your glasses and hearing aids happens because the devices aren’t working as designed. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be sure to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Your lenses could easily become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
Occasionally you need professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they may not seem like it at first glance). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than trying to address those problems).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
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 have 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.