You’ve probably noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they begin using close-ups (perhaps even extreme close-ups). This is because more information than you’re probably even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that human beings are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s not surprising that the face is where all of our principal sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in a visually wonderful way, of course).
But this can become a problem when you require numerous assistive devices. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. It can be fairly difficult in some situations. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
As both your ears and your eyes will often need a little assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could impede each other. That’s because there are physical limitations on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Wearing them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few primary challenges can arise:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging from your face. Mostly this occurs because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unusual for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than ideal audio quality.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be attached to your face; 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 be the outcome. This can also create strain and pressure around the temples.
So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
Wearing glasses and hearing aids together
It might take a little bit of work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. For the objective of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot 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. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. You should consult us about what type of hearing aid is best for your needs (they each have their own benefits and disadvantages).
An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t work best for everybody but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you might want to consider. To be able to hear adequately, some people need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses may need some adjustment
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. You will want to invest in glasses that have thinner frames if you use a large BTE hearing aid. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
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 compromised if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Using accessories is okay
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having problems managing both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one! This is good news because it means that you can use it to make things just a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously 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 hearing aids built right in.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all around (and potentially taking your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a bit more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. These are a great idea if you’re a more active person.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
There are certainly 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. In some instances, the feedback you experience could be triggered by something else (such as 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, get in touch with us about possible fixes.
The best way to wear your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are properly worn you can avoid many of the issues linked to using glasses and hearing aids at the same time. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses put first. After all, your glasses are fairly stiff and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room when it comes to adjustments.
Once you have your glasses in position, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. Your glasses should be closest to your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Sort of, there’s certainly a learning curve in terms of putting on and taking off your glasses without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well maintained, the discord between the two can be amplified. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Be sure to clean your hearing aids at least once a week.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to get rid of debris and ear wax.
For your glasses:
- 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.
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry place where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
- When your glasses get dirty, clean them. Normally, this is at least once a day!
Occasionally you require professional help
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (even though they may not seem like it at first glance). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually require a professional’s help.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than attempting to fix those issues).
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, of course), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t have to be enemies. Certainly, needing both of these devices can initiate some obstacles. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.