Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that human beings are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your main human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant attributes.
But this can become an issue when you need multiple assistive devices. It can become a little cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for example. It can be rather difficult in some situations. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s common 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 there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Wearing them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
A few basic concerns can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unheard of for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than perfect audio quality.
- 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 correctly, this is especially true.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to attach to your face somehow; frequently, they use the ear as an effective anchor. But when your ears have to hold on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses successfully, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
It might take a little bit of work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. For the intention of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant 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. You should speak with us about what kind of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and disadvantages).
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 kind of device won’t work for everybody. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses may require some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a considerable effect on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, get some glasses that have slimmer frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too slack. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? 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 easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses together. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. These are a great idea if you’re a more active person.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from sliding all over the place (and potentially moving your hearing aids with them). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does occur. 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 think your glasses are the problem, get in touch with us about possible solutions.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are worn properly you can avoid many of the problems associated with wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put on your glasses. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid inside of 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 amplified. Sometimes, things break! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere dry and clean.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate debris and ear wax.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Usually, this is at least once every day!
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
Occasionally you require professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (although they might not seem like it on the surface). 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 later on (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than trying to address those problems).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need 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 accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Sure, it can, sometimes, be challenging 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.