Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. It’s no stretch to say that human beings 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 this can become an issue when you need multiple assistive devices. It can become a bit awkward when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. It can be somewhat challenging in some circumstances. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you manage those challenges, and prepare you for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses interfered with by hearing aids?
It’s not uncommon for people to be concerned that their glasses and hearing aids may conflict with each other since both eyes and ears will require 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, using them at the same time can result in discomfort.
There are a couple of key challenges:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to mount to your face somehow; the ear is the mutual anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can cause a sense of pain and pressure. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- 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 you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
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. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit almost entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really under consideration here. In-ear-canal hearing aids almost never have a negative relationship with 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. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should consult us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to go with an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everyone. To be able to hear adequately, some people need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any hearing aid work with your glasses.
Your glasses might require some adjustment
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you have will have a considerable influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you use large BTE devices, invest in glasses that have slimmer frames. 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. They shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. If your glasses are wiggling around everywhere, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is okay
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? Well, If you’re having problems 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:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of place and these devices help stop that. They function like a retention band but are less obvious.
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. These are a great idea if you’re on the more active side.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices on the market created to do just that. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these devices.
These devices are designed to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback with glasses?
Some people who use glasses with their hearing aids do document more feedback. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does happen. But it’s also feasible that something else, such as a speaker, is actually what’s causing the feedback.
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.
The best way to use your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties linked to wearing hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by ensuring that all of your devices are being worn properly. You want them to fit well!
Here’s how you can start doing that:
First put your glasses on. After all, your glasses are fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.
Once you have your glasses in place, place the shell of your hearing aid between your glasses earpiece and your outer ear. 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.
And that’s it! Sort 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.
Keep up with 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. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- The correct tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to eliminate debris and earwax.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you’re not using them.
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- When you aren’t using, keep in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. Normally, this is at least once every day!
- Use 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.
- Bring your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Occasionally you require professional assistance
Though it might not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex 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 problems rather than attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with one another
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. Yes, needing both of these devices can initiate some challenges. You will be able to be more focused on enjoying your life and less on keeping your hearing aid in place with our help.
