You’ve likely noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start 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 humans are extremely facially centered.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. It can become a bit cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for example. In some instances, you might even have challenges. 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?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to be concerned 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 placement of hearing aids. Using them together can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
A few primary concerns can arise:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging from your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses effectively, though it might seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
Using hearing aids and glasses together
Every style of hearing aid will be appropriate 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 far smaller and fit totally in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. The electronics that sit behind your ears connect to a wire leading to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should consult us about what kind of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
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. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might need some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you have large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. 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 you wear glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having problems dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. 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 range of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses together. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help prevent that. They work like a retention band but are less obvious.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses may trigger feedback with your hearing aids. It’s not a very common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also possible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s triggering 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 fixes.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems related to wearing glasses and hearing aids together. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses put first. In terms of adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in position, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against 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! Sort of, there’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to putting on and taking off your glasses 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 maintained, the conflict between the two can be increased. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Utilize a soft pick and a brush to eliminate earwax and debris.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t using them.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. Usually, this is at least once every day!
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. 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.
- When you’re not using, keep in a case. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
Occasionally you need professional assistance
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. This means that it’s important to speak with professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than attempting to fix those problems).
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
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. Sure, it can, sometimes, 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.