Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action starts 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 cram packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. It can become a bit cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. In some cases, you might even have difficulties. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to worry that their hearing aids and glasses may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many people, using them together can result in discomfort.
A few basic concerns can arise:
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to attach to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can cause a sense of pressure and pain. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging off your face can also sometimes create skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is particularly true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? 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 at the same time
It may take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and weaknesses, so you should consult us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to go with an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind 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 situation they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Your glasses may require some adjustment
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, seek advice from your optician.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continually wiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? Well, If you’re having difficulty managing both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help prevent that. They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices on the market designed to do just that. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help them stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re a more active person.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
There are definitely some accounts out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. But it’s also possible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should definitely contact us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the problems linked to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put on your glasses. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in position, position the shell of your hearing aid between the earpiece of your glasses and your outer ear. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Sort of, there’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
Sometimes, friction between your glasses and hearing aids occurs because the devices aren’t functioning as designed. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, make sure to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove earwax and debris.
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
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. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- When you’re not using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently broken or stepped on.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
Sometimes you require professional help
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to speak with professionals who can help you determine the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Avoiding issues rather than trying to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help to start with.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
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 need to be enemies. Yes, 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.