Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. 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 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 this can become problematic when you need numerous assistive devices. It can become a little awkward when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some instances, 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 interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids may interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many people. That’s because both the positioning of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many individuals, using them at the same time can result in discomfort.
A few primary concerns can arise:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the outcome of all those things hanging off your face. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
- 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 hold on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a feeling of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also create pressure and strain around the temples.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unheard of for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!
Using hearing aids and glasses together
It might take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this conversation. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are far smaller and fit entirely 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 speak with us about what type of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everyone but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to consider. Some people will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a considerable impact on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to invest in glasses with thinner frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. Work with your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit properly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. The quality of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly wiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having difficulty dealing with both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- 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: Using your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be a lot easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices on the market created to do just that. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all around (and potentially moving your hearing aids at the same time). They function like a retention band but are more subtle.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in position and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
There are definitely some reports out there that glasses might cause feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. But it’s also possible 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 the problem, consult us about possible fixes.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties linked to wearing hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be avoided by ensuring that all of your devices are being worn properly. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by using these tips:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Then, carefully place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then put the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
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.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t working as designed. Things break sometimes! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate earwax and debris.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be certain to keep them somewhere dry and clean.
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 be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can keep them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
Occasionally you require professional help
Though it may not initially 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 typically require a professional’s help.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need down the road (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than trying to fix those issues).
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, of course), it’s now time to admit that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Sure, it can, at times, 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.