You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. To say that humans are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become an issue when you require numerous assistive devices. It can become a little cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. In some circumstances, you might even have challenges. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s common for people 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 there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many people, using them together can cause discomfort.
A few basic concerns can arise:
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than perfect audio quality.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging from your face can also sometimes create skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; frequently, they use the ear as a good anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! It may seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
Every style of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work you will need to do. For the objective of this article, we’ll be discussing 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 relevant here. There’s normally absolutely no clash between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and weaknesses, so you should consult us about what kind of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to go with an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. Some people 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 require some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a significant impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too slack. If your glasses are wiggling around all over the place, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having difficulty handling both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all over the place (and possibly moving your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses together. 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 keep your glasses in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a good idea.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses may cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience might 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 to blame, get in touch with us about possible fixes.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the issues associated with wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
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 to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
And that’s it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve when it comes to putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well taken care of, the discord between the two can be amplified. Sometimes, things break! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate earwax and debris.
For your glasses:
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- When you’re not using, keep in a case. 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.
Occasionally you need 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 typically require a professional’s help.
The more help you get in advance, 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 accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate 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.