You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). 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 focused is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your main human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasing qualities.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. It can become a little cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for instance. It can be somewhat difficult in some situations. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s common for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. Wearing them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
A few primary challenges can come about:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the result of all those things hanging off your face. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; usually, 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. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
Using glasses and hearing aids together
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this conversation. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit almost completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. You should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own benefits and disadvantages).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everybody but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to think about. Some people will need a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the situation they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
And it’s also important to make sure your glasses fit securely. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. If your glasses are jiggling around all over the place, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? There are lots of other people who are dealing 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. Here are a few of those devices:
- 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 on the market designed to do just that. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. These are a good idea if you’re a more active person.
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 cause hearing aid feedback?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also possible 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, consult us about possible solutions.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties connected to using hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. You want them to fit right!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Once you have your glasses in place, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t working as designed. Sometimes, things break! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove earwax and debris.
- Be certain to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be sure to store them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- When you’re not using, keep in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Utilize 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 get dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
Sometimes you need professional help
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will typically call for a professional’s help.
Preventing issues instead of attempting to fix them later can be accomplished 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 have to be enemies. Sure, it can, at times, be challenging if you require 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.
