You’ve likely noted that when movies or TV shows get really intense, they start using close-ups (maybe even extreme close-ups). 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 extremely facially focused.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is jam packed (in an aesthetically wonderful way, of course).
But this can become a problem when you need numerous assistive devices. It can become a bit awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses simultaneously, for instance. In some instances, you may even have challenges. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
It’s common for individuals to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses may 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 placement of hearing aids. Wearing them simultaneously can be uncomfortable for some people.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Pressure: Somehow, both hearing aids and eyeglasses need to be affixed to your face; often, they use the ear as a good anchor. But when your ears have to hold on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can be the outcome. Your temples can also feel pain and pressure.
- Skin irritation: All of those pieces hanging off your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is particularly true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses knock your hearing aids out of position.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it might seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
It might take a little work, but whatever your type of hearing aid, it can be compatible 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 much 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. The electronics that go behind your ears connect to a wire that goes to a speaker that’s positioned 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 advantages 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. Some individuals will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the case they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The degree of comfort you get from your hearing aid will heavily depend on the style and type of glasses you wear. If you have large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. Seek advice from your optician to select a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. The caliber of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Using accessories is fine
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? There are lots of other individuals who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things just a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help your glasses stay 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 together. Devices include pieces of cloth that hold your hearing aids in position and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can knock your hearing aid out of position and these devices help prevent that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses produce hearing aid feedback?
There are certainly some reports out there that glasses may trigger feedback with your hearing aids. And it does occur, but it’s not the most common complaint. In some circumstances, the feedback you experience might be caused by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, you should certainly contact us if you think your glasses may be causing your hearing aids to feedback.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the difficulties related to using hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by ensuring that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit right is the key!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
Put your glasses put first. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are larger so they will have less wiggle room.
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.
And that’s it! Having said that, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of place.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be amplified. Things break sometimes! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.
For your hearing aids:
- Make certain to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove earwax and debris.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
For your glasses:
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. Usually, this is at least once every day!
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry spot if you don’t have a case.
- 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.
Occasionally you require professional help
Though it may not initially seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a specialized pieces of technology. So finding 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 down the road (this is because you’ll be avoiding problems rather than attempting to fix those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
If you haven’t already realized it, now it’s time to accept that hearing aids and glasses don’t need to fight with each other. Sure, it can, sometimes, be a challenge 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.