Movies and TV shows tend to use close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. That’s because the human face conveys a lot of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that human beings are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our main sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But when your face needs more than one assistive device, it can become a problem. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. In some instances, you may even have challenges. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to worry that their hearing aids and glasses may 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 positioning of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them together can result in discomfort.
A few primary concerns can come about:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging off your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s not unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, giving you less than perfect audio quality.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; usually, they use the ear as an effective anchor. But when your ears have to retain both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
How to wear glasses and hearing aids at the same time
It might take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are much smaller and fit totally in your ear. There’s usually absolutely no clash 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 that goes to a speaker that’s positioned inside the 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 everybody but if you wear your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. Some individuals will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a significant impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. Work with your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too slack. If your glasses are wiggling 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 a lot of other people who are dealing with difficulties handling hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not alone. This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help counter that. They work like a retention band but are more subtle.
- Specially designed devices: Wearing your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be a lot easier if you make use of the wide range of devices on the market created to do just that. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- 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 practical idea.
These devices are created to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses produce hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also feasible 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 think your glasses are to blame, get in touch with us about possible fixes.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the problems linked to using glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses put first. After all, your glasses are fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as necessary in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
And that’s it! Having said that, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Take good care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
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 those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t using them.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove earwax and debris.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- When your glasses are dirty, clean them. Usually, this is at least once a day!
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels or even your shirt, as this may scratch your lenses.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Sometimes you require professional assistance
Though it might not at first 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.
The more help you get up front, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than trying to fix 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 accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Certainly, needing both of these devices can create some challenges. But we can help you pick the best 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.