Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (at times extreme close-ups) when the action starts getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is conveyed by the human face. To say that human beings are really facially focused is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is cram packed (in a visually excellent way, of course).
But this can become problematic when you require multiple assistive devices. For instance, wearing glasses and hearing aids can become a little… awkward. In some circumstances, you might even have challenges. You will have a simpler time wearing your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.
Do hearing aids conflict with wearing glasses?
It’s common for individuals to be concerned that their hearing aids and glasses might interfere with each other since both eyes and ears will require assistance for many individuals. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. Wearing them together can be uncomfortable for some people.
A few primary challenges can arise:
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation can also be the consequence of all those things hanging from your face. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting properly, this is especially true.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix 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 pressure and pain. Your temples can also feel pressure and pain.
So can hearing aids be worn with glasses? Definitely! Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used with glasses effectively, though it may seem like they’re mutually exclusive.
How to use hearing aids and glasses together
It may take a little work, but whatever your style of hearing aid, it can work with your glasses. For the intention of this article, we’ll be talking about behind-the-ear style hearing aids. This is because inside-the-canal hearing aids are a lot smaller and fit totally in your ear. 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 go 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 type of hearing aid will be best for your needs (they each have their own advantages and disadvantages).
If you wear your glasses every day all day, you might want to choose an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this style of device won’t work for everybody. Some people will need a BTE style device in order to hear sufficiently, but even if that’s the situation they can still make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will considerably depend on the style and type of glasses you have. If you have large BTE devices, get some glasses that have slimmer frames. Work with your optician to pick out a glasses style that will accommodate your hearing aids.
And it’s also significant to be sure your glasses fit correctly. They shouldn’t be too slack or too tight. If your glasses are wiggling around all over the place, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn together? Well, If you’re having difficulty handling both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by utilizing some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all around, they can knock your hearing aid out of place and these devices help stop that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses together will be much easier if you make use of the wide range of devices on the market created to do just that. Devices include pieces of fabric that hold your hearing aids in place and glasses with hearing aids built right in.
- Retention bands: You put these bands on your glasses to help keep them in place. If you’re a more active person, these are a good idea.
These devices are made to keep you more comfortable by holding your glasses in place and securing your hearing aids.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
There are certainly some accounts 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 instances, the feedback you experience could be caused by something else (like a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you think your glasses are the problem, get in touch with us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems associated with wearing hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by ensuring that all of your devices are being properly worn. You want them to fit well!
You can do that by using these tips:
Put your glasses in place first. When it involves adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in place, position 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 set up, 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 when it comes to putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of place.
Take care of your hearing aids (and your glasses)
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be increased. Sometimes, things break! But with some maintenance, those breakages can be prevented.
For your hearing aids:
- Use a soft pick and a brush to remove debris and ear wax.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when you aren’t using them.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.
For your glasses:
- Utilize 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.
- When you’re not 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 broken or stepped on.
- When your glasses become dirty, clean them. Usually, this is at least once every day!
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
Professional assistance is occasionally required
Though it might not at first 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 normally require a professional’s help.
The more help you get in advance, the less help you will need later on (this is because you’ll be preventing problems rather than trying to fix those issues).
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
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 need to be enemies. Sure, it can, sometimes, be challenging if you require both of these devices. But we can help you choose the best hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on your quality of life.