Is it possible to comfortably wear hearing aids at the same time as you are wearing your glasses, even though the two don’t seem very harmonious? If you are considering a behind-the-ear (BTE) device, this common question is even more relevant. The question is, can I wear them both comfortably? Yes is the answer.
Before buying new hearing aids, there are certain things to think about if you wear glasses. Learn the secrets to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time.
What Style of Hearing Aids Will Work Best for You?
Whether you wear glasses or not, there are a lot of considerations when shopping for new hearing aids. You can get hearing aids in many sizes, styles, and shapes. They even offer them in cool colors if you’re into that kind of thing. Today’s advanced hearing aids are not like your grandpa’s.
Start your research by really understanding what kinds of hearing aids are on the market. They break down into three basic categories:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is much more advanced. With this model, the main section of the device sits right behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold resting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit models are pretty much the same setup except without the earmold.
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is a lot like the ITE version but it sits deeper inside the ear, making them virtually invisible.
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name indicates, this format of hearing aid fits directly into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing sitting behind the ear.
There are pros and cons to each style, but if you wear glasses, ITE and ITC hearing aids will save you from a lot of issues. You can compare the many features of a new hearing aid, but first, you need to decide on the right style.
Getting to Know The Features
It’s really the features not the shape of the hearing aid that should be your main consideration when researching. Hearing aid technology is evolving all the time, so features constantly change. Some common ones to look for include:
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to enhance speech.
- Directional microphone – This will help pinpoint the sound you need to hear while you are in a noisy spot. For example, if someone is talking to you at a restaurant, you will be able to hear their speech easily despite the noise all around you.
- T-coil – This feature allows you to hear better while using a land-line phone. T-coil technology is useful when you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at church or on the radio.
Your aim is to find the right set of features and functions to fit your lifestyle. Then the style of the hearing aid can be chosen.
Can You Even Wear BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses?
It is possible to wear BTE hearing aids at the same time as glasses. If you want them to fit together comfortably you have to wear both of these important accessories the proper way. Here are some tips:
- Before you make a purchase look carefully at the size of the BTE. There is the traditional version, which is a little bulky but can still work with glasses. A newer style option is the mini BTE. The portion that fits behind the ear is much smaller for increased comfort and to reduce the feedback that you sometimes get with the BTE units. You have to try out both styles to see which one works best.
- Your hearing aid should be put on after you put on your glasses. You can work the placement of your hearing aid around the arm of your glasses which sits a little more rigidly. To be certain that the hearing aid isn’t hanging from your outer ear, after you position it, look in the mirror.
- Practice removing your glasses by pulling them forward with both hands instead of up with one. 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.
The only possibility for those who have a real problem wearing a BTE device with glasses would be the ITE or ITC models. If you of your glasses frequently, for example, BTE devices will be a real inconvenience. 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 see which style is best for you. Trying the different styles is the only way you will know for sure which style works best for your needs.