TV shows and movies tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. That’s because the human face communicates lots of information (more information than you’re likely consciously aware of). To say that human beings are very facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So having all of your chief human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is not surprising. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasant attributes.
But this can become a problem when you require multiple assistive devices. For example, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. It can be fairly difficult in some circumstances. These tips on how to use hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Do hearing aids interfere with wearing glasses?
It’s not uncommon for people to worry that their hearing aids and glasses may interfere 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. Wearing them at the same time can be uncomfortable for some people.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Poor audio quality: It isn’t unheard of for your glasses to knock your hearing aids out of position, resulting in less than ideal audio quality.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; the ear is the common anchor. But when your ears have to hang on to both eyeglasses and hearing aids, a sense of pressure and sometimes even pain can result. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
- Skin irritation: All of those parts hanging off your face can also sometimes cause skin irritation. Mostly this happens because neither your hearing aid nor glasses are fitting properly.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses successfully, though it may seem like they’re contradictory.
Wearing hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little bit of 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. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are far smaller and fit entirely in your ear. There’s usually absolutely no clash between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. They’re attached by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. You should talk to us about what type of hearing aid is best for your requirements (they each have their own advantages and drawbacks).
If you use your glasses every day all day, you might want to go with an inside-the-canal type of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. Some people will require a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the situation they will be able to make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you have will have a considerable influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. If you have large BTE devices, get some glasses that have thinner frames. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will suit your hearing aids.
Your glasses will also need to fit correctly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make certain they aren’t too loose. The caliber of your hearing experience can be affected if your glasses are constantly jiggling around.
Don’t be afraid to use accessories
So how can you use glasses and hearing aids at the same time? There are a lot of other individuals who are coping with difficulties handling 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. Here are a few of those devices:
- Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from sliding all around (and potentially moving your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: You attach these bands to your glasses to help keep them in place. These are a good idea if you’re a more active person.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide range of devices on the market designed specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
The objective with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in position, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?
Some individuals who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It isn’t a really common complaint but it does occur. 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 believe that your glasses are the problem, get in touch with us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
If you make certain that your devices are worn properly you can prevent many of the problems associated with using glasses and hearing aids together. Having them fit right is the key!
Here’s how you can accomplish doing that:
Put your glasses in place first. After all, your glasses are fairly rigid and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room with regards to adjustments.
Then, carefully place 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 set up, you can place the microphone of the hearing aid in your ear.
That’s all there is to it! Having said that, you will still need some practice taking off your glasses and putting them back on without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids
Sometimes, friction between your hearing aids and your glasses occurs because the devices aren’t functioning as designed. Things break sometimes! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Make sure to clean your hearing aids at least once every week.
- Make sure to recharge your battery when necessary (if your hearing aid is rechargeable).
- Use a soft pick and a brush to get rid of debris and ear wax.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, make sure to store them somewhere dry and clean.
For your glasses:
- Keep your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- If your glasses stop fitting well, bring them to your optician for an adjustment.
- Utilize 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.
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once every day is the best plan.
Sometimes you require professional assistance
Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (even though they may not seem like it on the surface). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
Avoiding issues rather than attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help to start with.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
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. 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.