You’ve likely noticed that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. It’s no stretch to say that humans are very facially centered.
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 excellent 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. In some cases, you may even have difficulties. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s common for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many people. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. For many individuals, wearing them at the same time can lead to discomfort.
There are a couple of principal challenges:
- 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 cause a sense of pressure and pain. This can also develop strain and pressure around the temples.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the result of all those things hanging from your face. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be worn with glasses successfully, though it might seem like they’re contradictory.
How to use glasses and hearing aids together
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, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this discussion. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit totally in your ear. In-ear-canal hearing aids virtually never have a negative relationship with glasses.
But with behind-the-ear hearings they…well, sit behind the ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. You should talk to 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 everybody but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of 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 have. If you have large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. Work with your optician to select a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. The caliber of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having trouble managing both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by using some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market created 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.
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. These are a good idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help counter 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 if you’re wearing glasses?
Some people who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some instances, 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 fixes.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
If you make sure that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the issues associated with using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
First put on your glasses. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently 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 adjusted, you can put 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 little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to keep them somewhere clean and dry.
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to remove debris and earwax.
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
For your glasses:
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. If you don’t have a case, just store them in a dry spot where they won’t be inadvertently smashed or stepped on.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. At least once a day is the best plan.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily become scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
Occasionally you need professional assistance
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
Preventing issues instead of attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been going on too long (with plenty of close-ups, of course), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Sure, it can, sometimes, be challenging if you require 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.