You’ve probably noted that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are extremely facially centered.
So having all of your main human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant attributes.
But this can become problematic when you require numerous assistive devices. It can become a little awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. It can be somewhat difficult in some situations. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to worry that their hearing aids and glasses may conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many individuals. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. For many individuals, using them at the same time can result in discomfort.
A few primary challenges can arise:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the common anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can create a sense of pain and pressure. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than perfect audio quality.
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging from your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses at the same time
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. For the intention of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit entirely in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should consult us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. Some people will need a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Your glasses might need some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to get yourself some glasses with thinner frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. 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 need to fit properly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too slack. The caliber of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly wiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids together? There are a lot of other individuals who are coping with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things just a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be a lot easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices available created to do just that. 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 possibly taking your hearing aids at the same time). They function like a retention band but are less obvious.
- 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.
These devices are designed to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It’s not a very common complaint but it does occur. In some instances, the feedback you experience may be caused by something else (like a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, consult us about possible fixes.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems linked to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
First put your glasses on. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Having said that, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your glasses and hearing aids occurs because the devices aren’t working as designed. Things break sometimes! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to remove debris and earwax.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- When you’re not using, store in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Normally, this is at least once every day!
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Professional help is sometimes needed
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. This means that it’s important to speak with professionals who can help you find 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 avoiding problems rather than attempting to address those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need 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 admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate some obstacles. But we can help you pick the best hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on your quality of life.
