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 extremely facially focused.

So having all of your main human sensors, nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, on the face is no surprise. The face is packed with aesthetically pleasing attributes.

But this can become problematic when you require multiple assistive devices. It can become a little cumbersome when you wear a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for instance. It can be somewhat difficult in some circumstances. You will have an easier time using your hearing aids and glasses if you make use of these tips.

Do hearing aids hinder wearing glasses?

It’s common for individuals to worry 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 placement of hearing aids. For many people, wearing them together can lead to discomfort.

There are a couple of key concerns:

Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; frequently, they use the ear as a good 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 pain and pressure.
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.
Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to suffer when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.

So, can you wear glasses with hearing aids? Of course you can! It may seem like they’re mutually exclusive, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can successfully be worn with glasses!

How to wear 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 purpose 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 completely 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. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that sits in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own advantages and weaknesses, so you should talk to us about what type of hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing needs.

An inside-the-canal hearing aid won’t be the best option for everyone but if you use your glasses all day, they’re something you may want to think about. To be able to hear adequately, some individuals need a BTE style device; but don’t worry, there’s a way to make just about any type of hearing aid work with your glasses.

Your glasses may require some adjustment

The level of comfort you get from your hearing aid will greatly depend on the style and type of glasses you have. You will want to get yourself some glasses that have thinner frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, seek advice from your optician.

Your glasses will also have to fit correctly. You want them tight (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too slack. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you may jeopardize your hearing aid results.

Using accessories is fine

So how can hearing aids and glasses aids be worn with each other? There are a lot of other individuals who are coping with difficulties managing hearing aids with glasses, so you’re not by yourself. This is a good thing because things can get a little bit easier by using some available devices. Some of those devices include:

Specially designed devices: Using your hearing aids and glasses simultaneously will be much easier if you take advantage of the wide variety of devices on the market designed to do just that. Glasses with hearing aids built right in are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good idea.
Anti-slip hooks: These hooks also help to prevent your glasses from moving all around (and potentially moving your hearing aids at the same time). They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.

The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, hold your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.

Can glasses trigger hearing aid feedback?

Some people who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. And it does happen, but it’s not the most prevalent complaint. In some cases, the feedback you experience may be triggered by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).

Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are the problem, get in touch with us about possible solutions.

How to put on your hearing aids and glasses

Many of the problems associated with wearing hearing aids and glasses at the same time can be avoided by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. 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 stiff and they’re bigger, this means they have less wiggle room in terms of adjustments.

Then, gently position your hearing aid shell between your outer ear and your glasses earpiece. The earpiece of your glasses should be against your head.

Adjust both as necessary in order to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone inside your ear canal.

That’s all there is to it! Having said that, you will still need some practice removing your glasses and putting them back on without bumping your hearing aid out of position.

Maintain both your glasses and your hearing aids

If either of your devices (hearing aids or glasses) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be amplified. Sometimes, things break! But with a little maintenance, those breakages can be avoided.

For your hearing aids:

Use a soft pick and a brush to get rid of debris and ear wax.
If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you aren’t using them.
At least once every week, clean your hearing aids.

For your glasses:

When your glasses are dirty, clean them. Normally, this is at least once a day!
To clean your glasses, use a soft, microfiber cloth. Do not use paper towels or even your shirt, as this might scratch your lenses.
Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
When you’re not using, keep in a case. If you don’t have a case, just keep them in a dry spot where they won’t be accidentally broken or stepped on.

Professional assistance is occasionally required

Hearing aids and glasses are both complex devices (although they may not seem like it at first glance). So finding the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will usually call for a professional’s help.

Avoiding issues instead of attempting to fix them later can be accomplished by getting the right help in the beginning.

Your glasses and hearing aids can get along with each other

Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), 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.

Can I Use my Hearing Aid While I’m Wearing my Glasses?