You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin 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 focused is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our primary sensors are eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasing attributes.
But this can become problematic when you need multiple assistive devices. It can become a bit cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for instance. It can be somewhat challenging in some situations. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s common for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many people. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Wearing them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few primary challenges can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than ideal audio quality.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the result of all those things hanging off your face. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; the ear is the common anchor. But when your ears have to retain both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses together
Every style of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. For the objective of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. 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.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s positioned inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to choose an inside-the-canal type 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 hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses may need some adjustment
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you use large BTE devices, get some glasses that have slimmer frames. Seek advice from your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit properly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. The quality of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? There are lots of other individuals who are coping with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help counter 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 at the same time. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. These are a great idea if you’re a more active person.
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 wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, you should definitely contact us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties associated with wearing hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be averted by ensuring that all of your devices are being worn properly. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by using these tips:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Once you have your glasses in place, position the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, 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 knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be amplified. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Be certain to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to remove debris and earwax.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them.
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
For your glasses:
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this could scratch your lenses.
- When you’re not using, store in a case. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
Professional help is occasionally required
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (even though they may not seem like it at first glance). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
Preventing issues rather than attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
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 have to fight with each other. Sure, it can, at times, be a challenge if you require 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.