You’ve likely noticed 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). To say that human beings are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasing attributes.
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 bit… cumbersome. It can be fairly challenging in some circumstances. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you manage those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses may conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. For many people, using them together can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence 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 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 cause a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little bit of work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should talk to us about what type of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own benefits and disadvantages).
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to go with an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everyone. To be able to hear adequately, some individuals require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might require 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, get some glasses that have thinner frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
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 jiggling around all over the place, you could jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids together? There are a lot of other people who are dealing with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by using some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help them stay in place. These are a great idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help prevent that. They’re a bit 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 use your hearing aids and glasses together. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses may cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does happen, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience may be caused by something else (like a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, you should certainly contact us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the issues related to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. 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 the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
Adjust both as necessary in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve when it comes to putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well taken care of, the conflict between the two can be amplified. Sometimes, things break! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not using them.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to get rid of debris and ear wax.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. Usually, this is at least once every day!
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Professional help is occasionally needed
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally require a professional’s help.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than trying to address those problems).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate some obstacles. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.