TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face communicates 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 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 attributes.
But this can become problematic when you require numerous assistive devices. It can become a bit awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for example. It can be fairly challenging in some situations. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s common for individuals to worry 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 positioning of hearing aids. For many people, wearing them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
A few basic challenges can arise:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; often, they use the ear as an effective anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can create a sense of pain and pressure. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
- 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.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than perfect audio quality.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
It may take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are quite small and fit almost completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost 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 speak with us about what kind of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own advantages and disadvantages).
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everyone. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals need 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.
Adjust your glasses
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. Work with your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. The quality of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continuously wiggling around.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having problems managing both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by using some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all around (and potentially moving your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market created 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 hearing aids built right in.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a good idea.
These devices are designed to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
Some people who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience could be triggered by something else (such as a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are to blame, talk to us about possible solutions.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems associated with using hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by ensuring that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are pretty stiff and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, gently place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
And that’s it! Having said that, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
Sometimes, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t working as intended. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere dry and clean.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to get rid of earwax and debris.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- When your glasses get dirty, clean them. Normally, this is at least once every day!
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
Occasionally you need professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (although they might not seem like it on the surface). So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
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 fix those problems).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need 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. Sure, it can, at times, be challenging if you require both of these devices. 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.