Is it feasible to comfortably wear hearing aids at the same time as you are wearing your glasses, even though the two don’t seem very harmonious? How to wear both is a question that comes up a lot, especially if you are thinking about behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. People often wonder whether or not they can work together comfortably. Yes is the answer.
If you wear glasses, there are some things to think about when investing in hearing aids. Use these tips to make sure your hearing aids and glasses work well together.
What Style of Hearing Aids Will Work Best for Your Needs?
There is a lot to consider when you’re shopping for hearing aids, even when you don’t happen to wear glasses. Hearing aids come in all Styles, sizes, and shapes. They even offer them in cool colors if you like that kind of thing. The point is, the days of having to wear hearing aids like your grandpa did is over.
Start the process by really understanding what styles of hearing aids are on the market. They break down into three basic categories:
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name implies, this style of hearing aid fits right into the opening of the ear canal with nothing sitting behind the ear.
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is very much like the ITE version but it sits deeper inside the ear, making them pretty much 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 model, the main section of the device sits right behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold sitting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit models are essentially the same setup but without the earmold.
There are positives and negatives to each style, but if you wear glasses, ITE and ITC hearing aids will save you from a lot of problems. You can go over the many features of a new hearing aid, but first, you need to decide on a style.
Understanding The Different Features
Ultimately, it’s really the features that should drive your decision as you look for hearing aids, not the shape. Evolving hearing aid technology is causing features to change all of the time. Some common ones to look for include:
- T-coil – This function allows you to hear better while talking on a land-line phone. T-coil technology is helpful when you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at a bingo game or at the movies.
- Directional microphone – This will help pinpoint the sound you need to hear when you are in a noisy spot. For example, if someone is talking to you at a party, you will be able to hear their speech easily despite the noise around you.
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to enhance speech.
Finding the ideal features to suit your lifestyle is the aim. Then, you can decide on the style of hearing aid.
Wearing BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses
It is possible to wear BTE hearing aids at the same time as glasses. The secret is to wear both of these essential accessories in the correct way, so they are comfortable. Here are some tips:
- Using both hands, and in a forward motion, practice removing your glasses. It’s going to take time for this to become a habit. Each time you knock off your hearing aids, though, will help to reinforce the practice.
- Before you make a purchase look closely at the size of the BTE. There is the standard version, which is a little bit bulky but can still work with glasses. A newer style option is the mini BTE. Because the behind the ear part is smaller, you get better comfort and a reduced amount of feedback. Either of these will work fine with glasses but see which style fits you best.
- Your hearing aid should be put in after you put on your glasses. The placement of your glasses arm is more rigid than your hearing aid so it’s more difficult to adjust. To be certain that the hearing aid isn’t hanging off your outer ear, after you position it, look in the mirror.
There will be some people who will need to stay with ITE or ITC models. For example, if you take your glasses off a lot, BTE devices will be a much greater burden. Children will usually have trouble with this kind 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. Trying the different styles is the only way you will know for sure which style works best for your needs.