You’ve probably noted that when movies or television shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (possibly even extreme close-ups). That’s because the human face conveys a lot of information (more information than you’re probably consciously aware of). It’s no stretch to say that humans are very facially focused.
So it’s not surprising 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 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 at the same time, for example. In some circumstances, you may even have challenges. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you take advantage of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s common for individuals to worry that their glasses and hearing aids may conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many people. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical limitations. For many individuals, using them at the same time can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of key concerns:
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the result of all those things hanging from your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is particularly true.
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; often, they use the ear as an effective anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses wrap around your ears can create a sense of pain and pressure. This can also produce 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.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it might seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to use glasses and hearing aids 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. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit nearly completely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. There’s normally 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 sit behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s situated inside the ear canal. You should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid will be best for your requirements (they each have their own benefits and drawbacks).
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you may want to go with an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everyone. To be able to hear sufficiently, some individuals require a BTE style device; but don’t worry, you can make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might need some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a significant effect on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to invest in glasses that have slimmer frames if you use a large BTE hearing aid. In order to find a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, seek advice from your optician.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. The caliber of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are continuously jiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can glasses and hearing aids be worn with each other? Well, If you’re having problems handling 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 put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help prevent that. They function like a retention band but are less obvious.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does happen. In some instances, the feedback you experience might 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 think your glasses are to blame, get in touch with us about possible fixes.
How to wear your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems connected to using hearing aids and glasses together can be averted by ensuring that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit well is the key!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. After all, your glasses are pretty stiff and they’re larger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Then, gently place your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
After both are comfortably adjusted, you can place 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 bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
Sometimes, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t working as designed. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, be sure to store them somewhere dry and clean.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be utilized to remove debris and earwax.
For your glasses:
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. 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 store them in a dry spot where they won’t be accidentally smashed or stepped on.
- When your glasses get dirty, clean them. Usually, this is at least once every day!
Professional help is sometimes needed
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they might not seem like it on the surface). This means that it’s essential to speak with professionals who can help you find the best fit possible for both your hearing aids and your glasses.
Avoiding problems rather than trying to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.
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 have to fight with each other. 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.