TV shows and movies tend to utilize close-ups (often extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. It’s no stretch to say that human beings are very facially centered.
So having all of your main human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is jam packed (in a visually excellent way, of course).
But when your face requires more than one assistive device, it can become a challenge. It can become a little cumbersome when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for example. In some circumstances, you may even have difficulties. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time can help you manage those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
As both your eyes and your ears will frequently need a bit of assistance, it’s not uncommon for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could hinder each other. That’s because there are physical constraints on both the shape of eyeglasses and the positioning of hearing aids. Using them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
A few basic concerns can come about:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unheard of for your glasses to push your hearing aids out of position, leading to less than perfect audio quality.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; 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 be the outcome. This can also develop pressure and strain around the temples.
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging off your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting correctly.
So can hearing aids be used with glasses? Definitely! It might seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
How to use hearing aids and glasses at the same time
Every style of hearing aid will be appropriate with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work it will take. For the intention of this article, we’ll be discussing behind-the-ear style hearing aids. 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. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages and drawbacks, so you should talk to us about what kind of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might 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 adequately, 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.
Adjust your glasses
In some cases, the type and style of glasses you wear will have a significant influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you wear 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.
And it’s also important to make sure your glasses fit correctly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too slack. The caliber of your hearing experience can be compromised if your glasses are continually jiggling around.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having problems managing both your glasses and hearing aids, take heart, you aren’t alone! This is good news because it means that there are devices you can use to make things a little bit easier. Some of those devices include:
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to use your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of 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 good idea.
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to keep your glasses from moving all over the place (and potentially moving your hearing aids at the same time). They function like a retention band but are more subtle.
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 people who use glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some instances, the feedback you experience could be triggered by something else (like a tv 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 problems linked to using hearing aids and glasses together can be averted by ensuring that all of your devices are being properly worn. You want them to fit right!
You can do that by using these tips:
First put your glasses on. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and the earpiece of your glasses. 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! That being said, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
In some cases, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses happens because the devices aren’t working as intended. Sometimes, things break! But those breakages can frequently be prevented with a little maintenance and routine care.
For your hearing aids:
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
- Be sure to recharge your battery when needed (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- The right tools (a soft pick and a brush) should be used to clear away debris and earwax.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, be sure to store them somewhere clean and dry.
For your glasses:
- To clean your glasses, make use of a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
- If your glasses stop fitting properly, take them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Clean your glasses when they get dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
- When you’re not using, store in a case. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
Occasionally you need professional help
Though it may not at first seem like it, both hearing aids and glasses a complex pieces of technology. So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
Preventing issues instead of trying to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help to start with.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t need 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. Certainly, 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.