TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (at times 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 humans are really facially focused 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 jammed with aesthetically pleasant attributes.
But when your face requires 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 at the same time, for example. It can be rather challenging in some situations. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will often need a little assistance, it’s common for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impair each other. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many people, wearing them at the same time can cause discomfort.
There are a couple of principal concerns:
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the result of all those things hanging from your face. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; often, they use the ear as a good anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. This can also produce strain and pressure around the temples.
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 may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
Using hearing aids and glasses together
It might take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit nearly 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. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s positioned inside the ear canal. You should talk to us about what type of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own advantages and disadvantages).
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t be the best choice for everyone. To be able to hear sufficiently, some people 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 need some adjustment
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you use 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, work with your optician.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too slack. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you could jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having problems dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay 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 designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses at the same time. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from sliding all over the place (and possibly taking your hearing aids at the same time). They work like a retention band but are more subtle.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses produce hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience could be caused by something else (like a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, you should definitely contact us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems related to using hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be averted by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. You want them to fit well!
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 position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Kind of, there’s definitely a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
In some cases, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses occurs because the devices aren’t working as designed. Things break sometimes! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to remove earwax and debris.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t wearing them.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
- Use 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.
Occasionally you need professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they may not seem like it on the surface). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually call for a professional’s help.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than trying to address those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. 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.