TV shows and movies tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that human beings are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jam packed (in an aesthetically excellent way, of course).
But this can become problematic when you need numerous assistive devices. It can become a bit cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. In some instances, you may even have challenges. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s common for people to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses may conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Wearing them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; 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 cause a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than ideal audio quality.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging from your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work it will take. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is significant to this conversation. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit completely in your ear. There’s normally absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should speak with us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everybody but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to think about. 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 require some adjustment
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you have. You will want to get yourself some glasses with thinner frames if you use 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.
And it’s also important to make sure your glasses fit securely. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are wiggling around all over the place, you may compromise your hearing aid results.
Don’t avoid using accessories
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? There are lots of other individuals who are dealing with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. 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: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all over the place (and potentially taking your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help them stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re a more active person.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses together will be a lot easier if you take advantage of the wide range of devices available created to do just that. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these devices.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
Some people who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most prevalent 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 to blame, consult us about possible solutions.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems related to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by using 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 when it comes 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 place the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
That’s all there is to it! That being said, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well taken care of, the discord between the two can be increased. Things break sometimes! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate debris and earwax.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. Typically, this is at least once a day!
Occasionally you require professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (even though they may not seem like it on the surface). 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 down the road (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting to address those issues).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Yes, needing both of these devices can create some obstacles. But we can help you select the right 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.