Movies and TV shows tend to use close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that humans are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is cram packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… awkward. In some circumstances, you may even have difficulties. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s common 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 people. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Using them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few primary challenges can arise:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging off your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is particularly true.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; the ear is the common anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than ideal audio quality.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every style of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work you will need to do. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit totally in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. You should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own advantages and drawbacks).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everybody but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. To be able to hear adequately, some people require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might 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, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. The caliber of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids together? There are a lot of other individuals who are dealing with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things a bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- 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 little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be a lot easier if you make use of the wide range of devices available designed to do just that. 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 your glasses stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re on the more active side.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are definitely some accounts out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does happen. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience could be caused by something else (like a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are to blame, consult us about possible fixes.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the issues linked to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Once you have your glasses in position, place the shell of your hearing aid between the earpiece of your glasses 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 inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Kind 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.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well maintained, the discord between the two can be increased. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t using them.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to remove earwax and debris.
- Be certain to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry place where they won’t be accidentally broken or stepped on.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. Normally, this is at least once every day!
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Sometimes you need professional assistance
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s important 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 later on (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting to fix those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on 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. 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.
