Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (at times extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys a lot of information (more information than you’re probably 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 jam packed (in an aesthetically excellent way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. It can become a bit awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some instances, you might even have difficulties. 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 hearing aids and glasses might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Using them together can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few primary challenges can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than ideal audio quality.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; usually, 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. This can also produce strain and pressure around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging from your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
How to use glasses and hearing aids together
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work it will take. For the intention of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit completely in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s positioned inside the ear canal. Each type 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 be the best option for everybody but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. To be able to hear sufficiently, some people require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any hearing aid work with your glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you wear large BTE devices, get some glasses that have slimmer frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit properly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids at the same time? Well, If you’re having problems dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is good news because it means that you can use it 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 use your hearing aids and glasses together. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these devices.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help stop that. They’re a little 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.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses may cause feedback with your hearing aids. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does occur. But it’s also possible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are to blame, consult us about possible solutions.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties related to wearing hearing aids and glasses together can be averted by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit right is the key!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.
Adjust both as needed to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
And that’s it! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your glasses and hearing aids happens because the devices aren’t functioning as designed. Sometimes, things break! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away debris and earwax.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. At least once a day is the best plan.
- 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.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
Professional help is occasionally required
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (even though they might not seem like it at first glance). So determining 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 later on (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than attempting to fix those issues).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
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 select 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.