TV shows and movies tend to utilize close-ups (at times extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that humans are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, and mouth, nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become an issue when you need multiple assistive devices. It can become a little awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. It can be somewhat difficult 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 conflict with wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently require a little assistance, it’s common for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impede each other. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. Using them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some people.
There are a couple of principal 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 pain and pressure. This can also create 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 correctly, this is especially true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
It might take a little bit of work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. You should speak with us about what type of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and disadvantages).
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you may want to go with an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everybody. Some people 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 greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you have. You will want to get yourself some glasses that have slimmer frames if you use a large BTE hearing aid. Seek advice from your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to make sure your glasses fit properly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time? There are a lot of other people who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be a lot easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices available created to do just that. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a good idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from sliding all over the place (and possibly moving your hearing aids with them). They’re a bit 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.
Can glasses produce hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience may be caused by something else (such as a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, talk to us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the challenges connected to wearing hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be avoided by ensuring that all of your devices are being worn properly. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
Put your glasses put first. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
And that’s it! That being said, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be increased. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- Make sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to eliminate debris and ear wax.
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- 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.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
Occasionally you require professional assistance
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (although they may not seem like it on the surface). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually 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 fix those problems).
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, of course), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate some challenges. But we can help you pick the right hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on enjoying time with your family.