Movies and TV shows tend to use close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys 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 focused.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jam packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. It can be somewhat challenging in some situations. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you manage those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many people. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many individuals, wearing them together can cause discomfort.
There are a couple of principal concerns:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than perfect audio quality.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging off your face. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; often, they use the ear as a good anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Using glasses and hearing aids together
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate 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. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually 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 sits in your ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should consult us about what kind of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to opt for an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everybody. Some people will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Your glasses might need 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. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also important to make sure your glasses fit correctly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. The caliber of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? There are lots of other individuals who are coping with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you take advantage of the wide range of devices on the market created to do just that. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can knock your hearing aid out of position and these devices help stop that. They work like a retention band but are less obvious.
These devices are designed to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also possible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s causing 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
Many of the challenges related to using hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be prevented by ensuring that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re bigger, 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. 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 in your ear.
And that’s it! That being said, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses occurs because the devices aren’t working as designed. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- 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.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t wearing them.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate debris and ear wax.
For your glasses:
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently broken or stepped on.
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Your lenses could easily become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. Normally, this is at least once a day!
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Professional help is occasionally required
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they might not seem like it at first glance). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will typically require 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 preventing problems rather than attempting to address those problems).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to recognize that hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight with each other. Certainly, needing both of these devices can create some challenges. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.