Hearing aids and glasses don’t appear to go very well together, but often times both are needed. So how can you make them get along? How to wear both is a question that is asked a lot, specifically if you are looking at behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. People often question whether or not they can work together comfortably. Yes is the answer.
If you wear glasses, there are certain things to consider when investing in hearing aids. Learn the strategies to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time.
There Are a Few Styles of Hearing Aids That Could Work For Your Needs
There is a lot to think about when you shop for hearing aids, whether you wear glasses or not. Styles, shapes, and sizes are all personalizations that are available. You can even get them in a custom color if you like. Modern hearing aids are not like the ones that grandpa had.
The first thing to do is to learn what types of hearing aids are on the market. They break down into three basic categories:
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is a lot like the ITE model but it sits deeper into the ear, making them pretty much invisible.
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name indicates, this style of hearing aid fits right into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing sitting behind the ear.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is far more advanced. With this model, the main section of the device sits right behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold resting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit models are essentially the same setup except without the earmold.
ITE and ITC versions will allow people who wear glasses to avoid many hurdles. The features of your new hearing aid should be reviewed after choosing a style.
Considering The Features
Essentially, it’s really the features that should drive your decision as you look for hearing aids, not the shape. Evolving hearing aid technology is causing features to change all of the time. Watch for some of these common ones:
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to augment speech.
- Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear while you are in a noisy place. For instance, if someone is talking to you at a cafe, you can hear their words clearly despite the noise around you.
- T-coil – This function allows you to hear better while using a land-line phone. T-coil technology is effective when you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at a bingo game or on the radio.
Identifying the right features to suit your lifestyle is the objective. After that selecting the style should be easy.
Wearing BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses
BTE hearing aids can be worn while your wearing glasses. The trick is to wear both of these important accessories in the correct way, so they are comfortable. Here are some tips:
- Consider the size of the BTE hearing aids before buying. There is the standard version, which can be a little bit bulky but will still work with glasses. The other choice is a fairly new style called mini BTE. The part that fits behind the ear is much smaller for enhanced comfort and also to reduce the feedback that you sometimes have with the BTE devices. The only sure way to tell which one will be best for you is to try them both.
- First put on your glasses, then put in your hearing aid. Positioning of the hearing aid unit is a little more flexible so you can work it in around the arm of the glasses to make it comfortable. To be certain that the hearing aid isn’t hanging off your outer ear, after you place it, look in the mirror.
- Practice removing your glasses by pulling them forward with both hands instead of up with one. Removing them like this won’t become a habit right away. Each time you knock off your hearing aids, though, will help to develop the practice.
The only solution for those that have a real problem using a BTE hearing aid with glasses would be the ITE or ITC models. If you take your glasses off a lot, for instance, a BTE device will be a real hassle. Children and people with really small ears tend to have difficulty with this combination, too. Most quality hearing aid sellers will give a trial period, so schedule an appointment to find out what model is best for you. Use this trial to see if you can wear both or not.