Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (at times extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that humans are really 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, and mouth, nose. The face is cram packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But this can become a problem when you need numerous assistive devices. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. In some circumstances, you may even have challenges. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. Wearing them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few basic challenges can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of 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 result of all those things hanging off your face. 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 attached to your face; the ear is the mutual anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
Using glasses and hearing aids together
It may take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit almost completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. You should consult us about what type of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and disadvantages).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. Some people will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you have will have a considerable influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. The quality of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn together? Well, If you’re having difficulty managing both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! 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:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these devices.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses may cause feedback with your hearing aids. It’s not a very common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also possible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, consult us about possible solutions.
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 linked to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit right!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
Put your glasses put first. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully 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 adjusted, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
And that’s it! Kind of, there’s definitely a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
In some cases, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses occurs because the devices aren’t working as intended. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere dry and clean.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to eliminate earwax and debris.
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- When your glasses get dirty, clean them. At least once a day is the best plan.
- When you’re not using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be inadvertently broken or stepped on.
- Use 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.
Sometimes you require professional help
Though it might 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 determine the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting to address those problems).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
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 a challenge if you need both of these devices. But we can help you choose 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.