You’ve probably noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are very facially centered.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
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… awkward. It can be somewhat difficult in some circumstances. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s common for individuals to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many individuals. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. For many people, using them at the same time can cause discomfort.
A few basic challenges can arise:
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging from your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
How to use glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every style of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work you will need to do. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is significant to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. There’s usually absolutely no clash between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everybody. Some individuals 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.
Adjust your glasses
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. You will want to invest in glasses that have thinner frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, seek advice from your optician.
And it’s also important to be sure your glasses fit securely. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids at the same time? Well, If you’re having difficulty dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. These are a good idea if you’re a more active person.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all around (and possibly taking 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 together. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
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?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses might trigger feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience may be triggered by something else (like a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, consult us about possible solutions.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems related to using glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. After all, your glasses are fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Then, carefully place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! That being said, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
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. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove earwax and debris.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t using them.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
For your glasses:
- When your glasses get dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
Sometimes you require professional assistance
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex 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 attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
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 need to fight with each other. Sure, it can, sometimes, be challenging if you need both of these devices. But we can help you select 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.