You’ve likely noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that human beings are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your primary human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is cram packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. It can become a bit cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for instance. It can be fairly difficult in some circumstances. You will have a simpler time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently need a bit of assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could impair each other. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. Using them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
There are a couple of principal concerns:
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes create skin irritation. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than ideal audio quality.
- 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 produce a sense of pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work it will take. In general, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is significant to this discussion. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are very small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. There’s normally absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s positioned inside the ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and weaknesses, so you should consult 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 everyone but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. To be able to hear sufficiently, some people need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any hearing aid work with your glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you have will have a considerable impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you use large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continuously wiggling around.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having difficulty handling both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, 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: You attach these bands to your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a practical idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses together. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
- 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’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some individuals who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. It isn’t a very common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are to blame, consult us about possible solutions.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can prevent many of the issues related to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, carefully place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. 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! 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.
Keep up with 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 amplified. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Be certain to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to store them somewhere clean and dry.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to eliminate earwax and debris.
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting well, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- When you’re not using, keep in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. At least once a day is the best plan.
Professional help is sometimes required
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually require a professional’s help.
Avoiding issues instead of trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Certainly, needing both of these devices can cause some obstacles. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.