Hearing aids and glasses don’t appear to go too well with one another, but sometimes both are necessary. So what can you do to make them get along? This typical question is specifically true if you are considering a behind-the-ear (BTE) model. Is it even possible to wear them both and still be comfortable? The answer is yes.
If you wear glasses, there are some things to consider when buying hearing aids. Learn the secrets to wearing glasses and hearing aids at the same time.
Picking The Hearing Aids That Best Fit Your Needs
There is a lot to consider when you’re shopping for hearing aids, whether you wear glasses or not. You can get hearing aids in many sizes, styles, and shapes. You can even get them in stylish colors if you like that kind of thing. Today’s advanced hearing aids are not like your grandpa’s.
The first step is to learn what types of hearing aids are available. 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 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.
- In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is a lot like the ITE model but it sits deeper into the ear, making them nearly invisible.
- In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name suggests, this style of hearing aid fits directly into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing mounted behind the ear.
If you wear glasses, you can stay clear of a lot of problems with ITE and ITC versions. You can compare the many features of a new hearing aid, but first, you need to decide on the right style.
Learning About The Different Features
It’s really the features not the shape of the hearing aid that should be your primary concern when researching. Evolving hearing aid technology is causing features to change all of the time. Watch for some of these common ones:
- Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear when you are in a noisy location. For instance, if someone is talking to you at a party, you can hear their speech easily in spite of the noise around you.
- Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to augment speech.
- T-coil – This function allows you to hear better while using a land-line phone. T-coil technology is helpful if you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at church or on the radio.
Your aim is to find the best 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?
Glasses and BTE hearing aids absolutely can be worn together. The secret is to wear both of these essential accessories correctly, so they fit comfortably. Here are some tips:
- Before you make an investment look carefully at the size of the BTE. Although 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 part is smaller, you get greater comfort and less feedback. Either of these will work fine with glasses but see which style fits you best.
- Pulling your glasses off in a forward motion, with both hands, is something you should practice until it becomes a habit. It will take a little time before you form a habit of taking them off like this. Each time you knock off your hearing aids, though, will help to reinforce the practice.
- First put on your glasses, then put in your hearing aid. You can maneuver your hearing aid around the arm of your glasses which sits a little more rigidly. To be sure that the hearing aid isn’t hanging from your outer ear, after you place it, check in the mirror.
There will be some people who will need to stay with ITE or ITC models. BTE devices will be a big problem if, for instance, you take off your glasses a lot. Children will typically 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 see which style fits your lifestyle. Use this trial to see if you can wear both or not.