TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. To say that human beings are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, and mouth, nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become a problem when you need numerous assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. In some cases, you might even have difficulties. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently need a little assistance, it’s common for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impede each other. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many people, using them at the same time can cause discomfort.
A few primary concerns can arise:
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging off your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed 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 be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
How to wear hearing aids and glasses at the same time
It may take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. For the objective of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit almost completely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. There’s normally 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 go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should consult us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. Some individuals will need a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they can still make it work with glasses.
Your glasses may require some adjustment
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. Seek advice from your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continuously jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids at the same time? There are a lot of other people who are dealing with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those 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 person, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you make use of the wide range of devices on the market created to do just that. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all over the place (and potentially taking your hearing aids with them). They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses may cause feedback with your hearing aids. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also possible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, you should certainly consult us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems linked to wearing hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being worn properly. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. 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! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your glasses and hearing aids happens because the devices aren’t working as intended. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate debris and earwax.
For your glasses:
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
Professional assistance is sometimes required
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually call for a professional’s help.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than trying to address those issues).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Sure, it can, sometimes, be challenging 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 enjoying time with your family.
