TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that humans are very facially focused 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 jam packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But this can become problematic when you require multiple assistive devices. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… cumbersome. In some cases, you might even have challenges. You will have a simpler time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
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 need assistance for many people. 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 basic challenges can arise:
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. But when your ears have to retain both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. This can also develop pressure and strain around the temples.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Wearing 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 you will need to do. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and weaknesses, so you should consult us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
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 may want to think about. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might need 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 use large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. If your glasses are jiggling around all over the place, you may compromise your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids together? There are a lot of other individuals who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things just a little bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: These bands go 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.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses may trigger feedback with your hearing aids. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience may be caused by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, talk to us about possible solutions.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties connected to using hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be averted by ensuring that all of your devices are being properly worn. You want them to fit right!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to 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 place.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your glasses and hearing aids happens because the devices aren’t working as designed. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to eliminate earwax and debris.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not wearing them.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- Make sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
For your glasses:
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
Occasionally you require professional assistance
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (although they may not seem like it at first glance). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will typically call for a professional’s help.
Preventing problems rather than trying to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help to start with.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight with each other. Sure, it can, sometimes, be a challenge if you need 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.
