You’ve probably noticed that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face communicates a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). To say that human beings are really facially centered 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 jam packed (in an aesthetically excellent way, of course).
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. In some instances, you may even have challenges. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s common for individuals to worry that their hearing aids and glasses might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them at the same time can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unheard of for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; frequently, they use the ear as a good anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. This can also create pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging from your face. 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 worn with glasses successfully, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear hearing aids and glasses at the same time
It may take a little bit of work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is significant to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit almost completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everyone. 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 type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses may require some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you have. You will want to invest in glasses that have slimmer frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. If your glasses are jiggling around all over the place, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn together? Well, If you’re having trouble dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a practical idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help prevent that. They work like a retention band but are more subtle.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you make use of the wide variety of devices available designed to do just that. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
These devices are designed to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses produce hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience may be caused by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, you should definitely consult us if you think your glasses might be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn 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!
Here’s how you can go about doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Then, carefully place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
After both are comfortably set up, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Having said that, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses occurs because the devices aren’t working as designed. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate earwax and debris.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not wearing them.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Typically, this is at least once a day!
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
Professional help is sometimes needed
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually require a professional’s help.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than trying to fix those issues).
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 accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Sure, it can, at times, be challenging if you need both of these devices. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.
