Is it feasible 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? If you are thinking about a behind-the-ear (BTE) device, this common question is even more relevant. People often ask whether they can work together comfortably. Yes is the answer.
People who wear glasses should consider some things before buying hearing aids. Use these guidelines to make sure your hearing aids and glasses work well together.
What Kind of Hearing Aids Will Work Best for Your Needs?
Even if you don’t wear glasses, there’s a lot to consider when choosing new hearing aids. Styles, shapes, and sizes are all customizations that are available. If you like cool colors, you can get that as well. The point is, the days of having to wear hearing aids like your grandpa did is gone.
Finding out exactly what kind of hearing aids are available is the way to start the process. They break down into three basic categories:
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is a lot like the ITE model but it sits deeper into the ear, making them virtually invisible.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is far more advanced. With this style, the main section of the device mounts right behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold resting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit versions are basically the same setup except without the earmold.
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name indicates, this style of hearing aid fits right into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing sitting behind the ear.
ITE and ITC versions will allow people who wear glasses to avoid many hurdles. You can compare the many features of a new hearing aid, but first, you need to choose a style.
Considering The Different Features
It’s really the features not the shape of the hearing aid that should be your prime concern when researching. Hearing aid technology is evolving all the time, so features change. Watch for some of these common ones:
- T-coil – This function permits you to hear better while talking on a land-line phone. T-coil technology is useful when you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at church or at the movies.
- 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 location. For example, if someone is talking to you at a cafe, you will be able to hear their words clearly despite the noise around you.
Your aim is to determine the ideal set of features and functions to fit your lifestyle. At that point, you can make a decision on the style of hearing aid.
What if You Want BTE Hearing Aids?
It is possible to wear BTE hearing aids with glasses. If you want them to fit together comfortably you need to wear both of these important accessories the right way. Here are some tips:
- First put on your glasses, then put in your hearing aid. You can work the placement of your hearing aid around the arm of your glasses which sits a little more rigidly. After placing the hearing aid, check in a mirror to be certain it’s not hanging off your outer ear.
- Practice removing your glasses by pulling them forward with both hands instead of up with one. Taking them off like this won’t become a habit right away. When you forget to do this motion you will knock off your hearing aid and that will reinforce the practice.
- Think about the size of the BTE hearing aids before buying. Although it’s a little bit bulky, the standard version will still work with glasses. A newer style option is the mini BTE. Minimized feedback and enhanced comfort are gained by making the behind the ear part smaller. Either of these will work with glasses but see which style fits you best.
There will be some people that will need to stay with ITE or ITC hearing aids. If you take your glasses off frequently, for example, a BTE device will be a real inconvenience. Children will commonly have problems with this type of hearing aid and also adults with small ears. 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. Use this trial to determine if you can wear both or not.