You’ve probably noticed that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). To say that human beings are very facially focused 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 a visually wonderful way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… cumbersome. It can be fairly difficult in some circumstances. You will have a simpler time using your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s common for individuals to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will require 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 people, using them together can lead to discomfort.
A few primary challenges can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than ideal audio quality.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging from your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is particularly true.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; the ear is the common 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 hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! It may seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
Every type of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work it will take. For the objective of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much 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, however, 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 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 type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t work for everybody. 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
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you have large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. Seek advice from your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too snug. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you may compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? There are a lot of other people who are coping with difficulties handling 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. Here are a few of those devices:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can knock your hearing aid out of position and these devices help stop that. They’re a bit 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. These are a great idea if you’re a more active person.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
There are certainly some accounts out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience could be triggered by something else (like a tv speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re noticing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, talk to us about possible solutions.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can avoid many of the issues associated with using glasses and hearing aids together. 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 fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Having said that, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well taken care of, the conflict between the two can be increased. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate debris and earwax.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- When your glasses get dirty, clean them. At least once every day is the best plan.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
Sometimes you require professional help
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s important to talk to professionals who can help you find 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 avoiding problems rather than trying to address those issues).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other
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 challenges. But we can help you pick 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.