Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (at times 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). To say that humans are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant qualities.
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become an issue. It can become a little cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some cases, you might even have difficulties. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s common for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids might conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will need assistance for many individuals. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. For many individuals, wearing them together can cause discomfort.
There are a couple of principal concerns:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
- 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 hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging off your face can also sometimes produce skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is particularly true.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! 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
It may take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can be compatible with your glasses. Generally, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is relevant to this discussion. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit completely in your ear. There’s usually absolutely no conflict between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. You should consult us about what type of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to opt for an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t be the best choice for everyone. To be able to hear adequately, some people require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any hearing aid work with your 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, get some glasses that have slimmer frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be sure your glasses fit securely. 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 glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having trouble handling both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by using some available devices. Here are a few of those devices:
- Retention bands: These bands fit around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a practical idea.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be a lot easier if you take advantage of the wide range of devices on the market created to do just that. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with built-in hearing aids.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help stop that. They function like a retention band but are more subtle.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Can glasses cause hearing aid feedback?
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 cases, the feedback you experience might be triggered by something else (like a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, consult 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 associated with using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put on your glasses. After all, your glasses are pretty stiff and they’re larger, 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.
After both are comfortably set up, you can put the microphone of the hearing aid inside of your ear.
And that’s it! Kind of, there’s definitely a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well taken care of, the discord between the two can be increased. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can often be prevented with a bit of maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away debris and earwax.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them.
For your glasses:
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Your lenses could easily become 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.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
Sometimes you require professional help
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. This means that it’s crucial to talk to professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Preventing issues instead of attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
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 have to be enemies. Sure, it can, sometimes, be a challenge if you need both of these devices. But we can help you select the right 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.
