TV shows and movies tend to use close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). To say that humans are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in a visually excellent way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. It can become a little awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for example. It can be rather difficult in some situations. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you manage those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
As both your eyes and your ears will frequently need a little assistance, it’s common for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impede each other. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Using them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
There are a couple of main challenges:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging off your face. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to attach to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. This can also create pressure and strain around the temples.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than ideal audio quality.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
How to wear hearing aids and glasses at the same time
Every type of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work it will take. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are far smaller and fit entirely in your ear. There’s normally absolutely no clash between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, though, sit behind your ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should consult us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. To be able to hear adequately, some people 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.
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 that have thinner frames if you use a large BTE hearing aid. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you could jeopardize your hearing aid results.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? There are lots of other individuals who are dealing with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things just a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help prevent that. They function like a retention band but are more subtle.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be much 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.
- 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.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. But it’s also possible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are to blame, get in touch with us about possible solutions.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the problems associated with using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit well is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
Put your glasses put first. After all, your glasses are pretty rigid and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Then, carefully position 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 put the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
And that’s it! That being said, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your glasses and hearing aids occurs because the devices aren’t functioning as intended. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t wearing them.
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- Be certain to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- The right 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 become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Normally, this is at least once a day!
- When you’re not using, store in a case. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry spot where they won’t be accidentally broken or stepped on.
Occasionally you need professional help
Though it may not initially 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 call for a professional’s help.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting to fix those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to recognize that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Certainly, needing both of these devices can cause some obstacles. But we can help you choose the right hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on your quality of life.