Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that humans are very facially focused.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant attributes.
But this can become problematic when you need numerous assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. In some circumstances, you might even have difficulties. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s common for people to worry that their hearing aids and glasses may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the placement of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them together can lead to discomfort.
There are a couple of key concerns:
- 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 create a sense of pain and pressure. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids together
It might take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. In general, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit totally 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. They’re connected 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 type 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 think about. To be able to hear sufficiently, some people 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 cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a significant impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you have 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, seek advice from your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. If your glasses are wiggling around all over the place, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time? 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 you can use it to make things a bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all over the place (and possibly moving your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- 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.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be a lot easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices on the market created to do just that. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these devices.
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 trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also feasible that something else, like a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, talk to us about possible solutions.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems associated with using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
First put on your glasses. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
And that’s it! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve when it comes to 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 amplified. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
Professional help is occasionally required
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (although they may not seem like it on the surface). This means that it’s crucial to talk to professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Preventing issues rather than attempting to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help to start with.
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, of course), it’s now time to accept 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 pick the best hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on your quality of life.