You’ve likely noted that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start 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 focused.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, and mouth, nose. The face is jam packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. It can become a little awkward when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. It can be somewhat challenging in some circumstances. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to worry that their glasses and hearing aids might conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many individuals. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. Wearing them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some people.
There are a couple of main challenges:
- 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 properly, this is especially true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; often, they use the ear as an effective anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
Using hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little bit of work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. For the objective of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit completely in your ear. There’s usually 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 positioned inside the ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and weaknesses, so you should speak with us about what kind 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. To be able to hear adequately, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any hearing aid work with your glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you have will have a significant effect on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to invest in glasses with slimmer frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. The caliber of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids together? Well, If you’re having difficulty handling both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by using some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market created 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. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good 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 work like a retention band but are less obvious.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses may trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does occur. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering the feedback.
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 wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems linked to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit well is the key!
You can do that by using these tips:
First put on your glasses. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Once you have your glasses in place, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece 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 in your ear.
And that’s it! That being said, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
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 conflict between the two can be increased. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, make sure to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to remove earwax and debris.
For your glasses:
- 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.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just store 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.
Sometimes you require professional assistance
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually call for a professional’s help.
Preventing problems instead of trying to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help in the beginning.
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, at times, be a challenge if you need 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.