TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (at times extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. To say that human beings are really facially focused 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 jammed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become an issue when you need multiple assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… cumbersome. In some circumstances, you may even have difficulties. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s common for people to worry that their glasses and hearing aids may conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many people. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. For many people, using them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
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: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging from your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; usually, they use the ear as a good anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
How to use hearing aids and glasses together
Every style of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work it will take. For the intention of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are far smaller and fit totally in your ear. There’s usually absolutely no clash between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and weaknesses, so you should speak with us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to go with an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t be the best choice for everyone. Some people will require a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, 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 heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you have. You will want to invest in glasses with thinner 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 be certain your glasses fit properly. You want them snug (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 continually wiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time? Well, If you’re having difficulty managing both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- 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.
- 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 bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also feasible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, talk to us about possible solutions.
The best way to use 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 at the same time. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, carefully place 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 necessary in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well maintained, the discord between the two can be amplified. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to clear away earwax and debris.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
For your glasses:
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
Professional assistance is sometimes needed
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (although they may not seem like it at first glance). So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually require a professional’s help.
Avoiding issues instead of trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on 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. Sure, it can, at times, be a challenge if you need both of these devices. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.
