You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. It’s no stretch to say that human beings are very facially centered.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. In some cases, you might even have challenges. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to worry that their glasses and hearing aids may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many people, using them together can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of principal challenges:
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging from your face can also sometimes create skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; the ear is the common anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can cause a sense of pressure and pain. This can also produce strain and pressure around the temples.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Using hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. 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 far 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, however, sit behind your ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to choose an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everyone. Some individuals will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you wear large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner 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 correctly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too slack. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids at the same time? There are a lot of other people who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- 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 at the same time. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. These are a great idea if you’re a more active person.
- 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 bit more subtle than a retention band.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It’s not a really common complaint but it does occur. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience may be caused by something else (such as a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, you should certainly consult us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are worn properly you can avoid many of the issues associated with wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put on your glasses. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Then, gently place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
That’s all there is to 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.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t functioning as designed. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be sure to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate earwax and debris.
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
For your glasses:
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry place where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this could scratch your lenses.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
Occasionally you require professional help
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. This means that it’s important to talk to professionals who can help you determine the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
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 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 need to be enemies. 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.