You’ve probably noted that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (maybe even extreme close-ups). 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 humans are extremely facially focused.
So having all of your primary human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasing qualities.
But this can become problematic when you require numerous assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. It can be fairly difficult in some situations. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
As both your ears and your eyes will often need a bit of assistance, it’s common for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids may impede each other. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. Wearing them together can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few primary concerns can arise:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging off your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is particularly true.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work you will need to do. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this conversation. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit nearly entirely 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 attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. You should consult us about what kind of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own advantages and drawbacks).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everybody but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. Some individuals will require a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the case they can still make it work with glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you wear 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, seek advice from your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too slack. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn with each other? There are a lot of other people who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all over the place (and potentially moving your hearing aids with them). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them 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 place and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It’s not 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, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, consult us about possible solutions.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems related to using hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being worn properly. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
First put on your glasses. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Then, carefully position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
And that’s it! Having said that, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well taken care of, the discord between the two can be amplified. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to remove debris and earwax.
For your glasses:
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this could scratch your lenses.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry place where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Sometimes you require professional help
Though it might not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to speak with professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Preventing problems instead of trying to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help to start with.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening 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. 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.
