Is it even 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? If you are considering a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, this common question is even more relevant. The question is, can I wear them both comfortably? The answer is yes.
If you wear glasses, there are a few things to think about when purchasing hearing aids. Learn the secrets to wearing glasses and hearing aids together.
There Are a Few Styles of Hearing Aids That Might Work For Your Situation
Even if you don’t wear glasses, there’s a lot to consider when choosing new hearing aids. You can get hearing aids in many sizes, styles, and shapes. You can even get them in a cool color if you want. Modern high tech hearing aids are not the same as the ones that grandpa wore.
Learning exactly what type of hearing aids are on the market is the way to begin the search. They break down into three basic categories:
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name suggests, this format of hearing aid fits right into the opening of the ear canal and has 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 nearly 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 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.
If you wear glasses, you can stay away from a lot of issues with ITE and ITC versions. Once you choose the physical style, it’s time to review the features of different hearing aids.
Considering The Different Features
Essentially, it’s really the features that should drive your decision as you shop for hearing aids, not the shape. Features are getting better all of the time as hearing aid technology evolves. Some common ones to look for include:
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to enhance speech.
- T-coil – This function allows you to hear better while talking on a land-line phone. T-coil technology is effective when you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at a bingo game or on the radio.
- Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear while you are in a noisy location. For instance, if someone is talking to you at a cafe, you will be able to hear their speech clearly in spite of the noise all around you.
Your objective is to find the right set of features and functions to fit your lifestyle. Then the style of the hearing aid can be selected.
Can You Even Wear BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses?
It is possible to wear BTE hearing aids with glasses. The secret is to wear both of these important accessories correctly, so they are comfortable. Here are some tips:
- First put on your glasses, then put in your hearing aid. The position of your glasses arm is more rigid than your hearing aid so it’s harder to adjust. Check in a 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.
- Practice taking your glasses off by pulling them forward with both hands instead of up with one. Removing them like this won’t become a habit right away. Each time you knock off your hearing aids, though, will help to reinforce the practice.
- Choose the appropriate size BTE before you commit to a purchase. While the traditional size will still work with glasses, it’s a little bulky. A newer style choice is the mini BTE. Decreased feedback and enhanced comfort are gained by making the behind the ear portion smaller. The only certain way to know which one will work best for you is to try them both out.
ITE and ITC styles will be the only solutions for those people who can’t wear a BTE device with their glasses. If you take your glasses off frequently, for example, a BTE device will be a real hassle. Children and people who have really small ears tend to struggle with this combination, too. If you schedule an appointment with a hearing aid professional you can get a free trial period to see which style fits your lifestyle. Whether or not you can wear both will be evident after you try them out.