TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (sometimes 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 humans are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. It can become a little cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some circumstances, you might even have difficulties. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you manage those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently require a bit of assistance, it’s common for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impair each other. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. For many individuals, using them together can lead to discomfort.
There are a couple of key concerns:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; frequently, they use the ear as an effective anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- 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. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses effectively, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little bit of work, but whatever your type 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 discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should consult us about what kind of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to go with an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everyone. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any hearing aid work with your 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 wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. Work with your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. If your glasses are wiggling around all over the place, you could jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids together? There are a lot 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 bit easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all over the place (and possibly taking your hearing aids with them). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. These are a great idea if you’re on the more active side.
- 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. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some people who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. But it’s also possible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, get in touch with us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the issues linked to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put on your glasses. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
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 adjusted, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to 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 place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t working as designed. Sometimes, things break! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not using them.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to remove earwax and debris.
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
Sometimes you require professional assistance
Though it might not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually require a professional’s help.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than trying to fix those issues).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Certainly, needing both of these devices can create 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.