Is it possible to comfortably wear hearing aids at the same time as you are wearing your glasses, despite the fact that the two don’t seem very harmonious? How to wear both is a question that is asked a lot, particularly if you are thinking about behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. The question is, can I use them both comfortably? The answer is yes.
People who wear glasses should think about a few things before buying new hearing aids. Here’s what you have to know about wearing hearing aids and glasses, with each other.
There Are Several Types of Hearing Aids That Could Work For Your Situation
There are a lot of factors, in general, to consider when investing in new hearing aids. You can get hearing aids in many Styles, sizes, and shapes. You can even get a fancy color if you want. Today’s hearing aids are a lot better than your grandpa’s.
Begin your research by really learning about what types of hearing aids are on the market. They divide into three basic categories:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is way more advanced. With this style, the main section of the device mounts directly behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold sitting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit models are basically the same setup but without the earmold.
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name implies, this style of hearing aid fits directly into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing mounted behind the ear.
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is very much like the ITE model but it sits deeper inside the ear, making them nearly invisible.
ITE and ITC versions will allow people with glasses to avoid many pitfalls. The features of your new hearing aid should be reviewed after choosing a style.
Considering The Different Features
When purchasing, it’s the features that should be your number one concern not the shape of the hearing aid. Advancing hearing aid technology is causing features to change all of the time. Some common ones to watch for include:
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to enhance speech.
- Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear when you are in a noisy place. For instance, if someone is talking to you at a party, you will be able to hear their speech easily despite the noise all around you.
- T-coil – This feature enables you to hear better while talking on a land-line phone. T-coil technology is effective if you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at a bingo game or at the movies.
Determining the best features to fit your lifestyle is the goal. Then the style of the hearing aid can be chosen.
Wearing BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses
BTE hearing aids can be worn while your wearing glasses. The trick is to wear both of these essential accessories correctly, so they are comfortable. Here are some tips:
- Before you make a purchase look closely at the size of the BTE. Even though it’s a little bulky, the standard version will still work with glasses. The mini BTE is a fairly new option. Because the behind the ear portion is smaller, you get improved comfort and less feedback. Either of these will work fine with glasses but see which style fits you best.
- Using both hands, and in a forward motion, practice removing your glasses. Taking them off like this won’t become a habit right away. Every time you knock off your hearing aids, though, will help to develop the practice.
- Your hearing aid should be put in only after you put on your glasses. You can maneuver your hearing aid around the arm of your glasses which sits a little more rigidly. Check in the mirror after placing the hearing aid so you will know it looks discrete and isn’t hanging off your pinna, which is the outer portion of the ear.
The only option for those that have a real issue using a BTE device with glasses would be the ITE or ITC devices. BTE devices will be a big problem if, for example, you take your glasses off a lot. Children and people who have smaller ears will struggle with this combination, too. If you schedule an appointment with a hearing aid professional you can get a free trial period to find out which style fits your lifestyle. Whether or not you can wear both will be evident after you try them.