Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face communicates lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that human beings are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become a problem when you require multiple assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. In some circumstances, you might even have challenges. 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 not uncommon for individuals to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses may 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 together can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of key challenges:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unheard of for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; frequently, they use the ear as an effective anchor. But when your ears have to retain both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also produce strain and pressure around the temples.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging from your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
It might take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this conversation. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit totally in your ear. There’s usually 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 go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s positioned inside the ear canal. You should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own benefits and disadvantages).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to think about. To be able to hear sufficiently, some people require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
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 invest in glasses with slimmer frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. Seek advice from your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you could jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having trouble handling both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by using some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses together will be a lot easier if you make use of the wide range of devices on the market created to do just that. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
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 reports out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. 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 definitely contact us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties related to using hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses put first. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, gently place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
Adjust both as needed to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
And that’s it! Having said that, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
Sometimes, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t working as intended. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and routine 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 keep them somewhere clean and dry.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
For your glasses:
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
Sometimes you require professional help
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually call for a professional’s help.
Preventing issues instead of attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have 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 initiate some challenges. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.