TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that humans are very facially centered.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But this can become problematic when you require numerous assistive devices. It can become a little awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for example. It can be rather difficult in some situations. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many individuals. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. Using them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the result of all those things hanging from your face. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to attach to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. But when your ears have to hold on to 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.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
It might take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work 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 quite small and fit almost entirely 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. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should talk to us about what type of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to opt for an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t be the best choice for everyone. To be able to hear adequately, some individuals require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you have large BTE devices, get some 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.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too slack. If your glasses are jiggling around all over the place, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? There are a lot of other individuals who are coping with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a little bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help them stay in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all around (and potentially moving your hearing aids with them). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses together will be a lot easier if you take advantage of the wide range of devices on the market designed to do just that. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses produce hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It’s not a very common complaint but it does occur. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience may be triggered by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are to blame, consult us about possible fixes.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the challenges connected to wearing hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be avoided by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
First put on your glasses. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently 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 set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
And that’s it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well taken care of, the discord between the two can be amplified. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to eliminate debris and ear wax.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, make sure to store them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- 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.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
Sometimes you need professional assistance
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they might not seem like it at first glance). This means that it’s essential 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 avoiding problems rather than trying to fix those issues).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Sure, it can, sometimes, be challenging if you require both of these devices. But we can help you choose the right hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on your quality of life.