Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are extremely facially centered.
So having all of your primary human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… cumbersome. In some cases, you might even have challenges. These tips on how to wear 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?
As both your eyes and your ears will frequently require a bit of assistance, it’s common for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could hinder each other. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many people, using them at the same time can cause discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; often, 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 result. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
- 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.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the result of all those things hanging off your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is particularly true.
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!
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work you will need to do. Generally, 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 virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid will be best for your requirements (they each have their own advantages and disadvantages).
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you may want to go with an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. Some individuals will require a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the case they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to invest in glasses with 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.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. The quality of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continually wiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? 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 utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market designed 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 devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from sliding all around (and potentially moving your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. These are a great idea if you’re a more active person.
These devices are designed to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some people who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also feasible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should definitely consult us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems related to using hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be prevented by ensuring that all of your devices are being worn properly. Having them fit right is the key!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
Put your glasses put first. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
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 position.
Take good 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 increased. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t using them.
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away debris and earwax.
- Make sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
- When your glasses get dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- 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. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
Occasionally you require professional help
Though it might not initially 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 determine the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be avoiding 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 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. 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.
