You’ve likely noted that when movies or television shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (maybe even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face conveys lots of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that human beings are very facially focused.
So having all of your primary human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant attributes.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a bit… cumbersome. In some cases, you might even have difficulties. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you handle those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
As both your ears and your eyes will frequently need a little assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to be worried that their eyeglasses and hearing aids might impede each other. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many individuals, using them together can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; the ear is the mutual anchor. But when your ears have to retain both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging off your face can also sometimes create skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
How to use glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every style of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a matter of how much work you will need to do. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this conversation. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit completely in your ear. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. You should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own advantages and disadvantages).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everyone but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. Some people will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you use large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have thinner frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
And it’s also important to be sure your glasses fit securely. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. 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 you use glasses and hearing aids together? Well, If you’re having trouble handling both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one! This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things a bit easier. Here are a few of those devices:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all around (and potentially taking your hearing aids with them). They function like a retention band but are less obvious.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help them stay in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience could be caused by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are to blame, talk to us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties connected to using hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit well is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put your glasses on. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in position, position the shell of your hearing aid between the earpiece of your glasses and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! That being said, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
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. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- Make sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away debris and earwax.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, store in a case. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this could scratch your lenses.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
Sometimes you require professional assistance
Though it might not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to speak with professionals who can help you determine the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Avoiding issues instead of trying to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help in the beginning.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight
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 a challenge 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.