You’ve likely noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (possibly 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 humans are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But this can become an issue when you require numerous assistive devices. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. In some instances, you may even have challenges. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
As both your eyes and your ears will frequently need a little assistance, it’s common for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids may impede each other. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Using them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few primary challenges can come about:
- 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 be the outcome. This can also produce pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than ideal audio quality.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Using 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 it will take. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit totally in your ear. 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. 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 benefits and drawbacks, so you should talk to us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. Some individuals will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Your glasses may need some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a significant impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you have large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
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. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you may compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn together? There are lots of other individuals who are dealing with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not 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:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses at the same time. Devices include pieces of fabric 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 knock your hearing aid out of position and these devices help stop that. They function like a retention band but are more subtle.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re a more active person.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does happen. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience may be triggered by something else (such as a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, get in touch with us about possible solutions.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the issues linked to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in place, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Kind of, there’s definitely a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well taken care of, the conflict between the two can be amplified. Sometimes, things break! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not wearing them.
- 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.
For your glasses:
- When you’re not using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be accidentally broken or stepped on.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. Typically, this is at least once every day!
Professional assistance is sometimes required
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s important to talk to professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Avoiding issues instead of trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need 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 have 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.
