Hearing aids and glasses might seem like oil and water, but is there a means to get these two very essential accessories to work together? This typical question is especially 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.
People who wear glasses should think about some factors before investing in new hearing aids. Use these tips to be sure your hearing aids and glasses work well together.
Picking The Hearing Aids That Best Serve Your Needs
Even if you don’t wear glasses, there are a lot of considerations when investing in new hearing aids. You can get hearing aids in many shapes, styles, and sizes. They even offer them in stylish colors if you’re into that sort of thing. The point is, the days of having to wear hearing aids like your grandpa did is gone.
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-canal (ITC) – This style is very much 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 way more advanced. With this model, the main section of the device sits directly behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold sitting 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 implies, this format 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 steer clear of a lot of problems with ITE and ITC models. You can go over the many features of a new hearing aid, but first, you need to decide on the right style.
Learning About The Features
It’s really the features not the shape of the hearing aid that should be your main concern when shopping. Features are getting better all of the time as hearing aid technology evolves. Some common ones to look for include:
- T-coil – This function permits 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 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 place. For instance, if someone is talking to you at a restaurant, you can hear their speech clearly despite the noise all around you.
Identifying the ideal features to fit your lifestyle is the goal. At this point, you can make a decision on the style of hearing aid.
What if You Want BTE Hearing Aids?
Glasses and BTE hearing aids can be worn together. If you want them to fit together comfortably you need to wear both of these important accessories the proper way. Here are some tips:
- Pulling your glasses off in a forward motion, using both hands, is something you should practice until it’s a habit. Removing them in this way won’t become a habit right away. The practice will be reinforced every time you knock off your hearing aid.
- Choose the appropriate size BTE before you commit to a purchase. There is the traditional version, which is a little bit bulky but can still work with glasses. A newer style choice is the mini BTE. Because the behind the ear part is smaller, you get improved comfort and less feedback. You have to try out both styles to find out which one works best.
- Get in the habit of putting on your glasses first and then your hearing aids. You can work the placement of your hearing aid around the arm of your glasses which is a little more rigid. To be certain that the hearing aid isn’t hanging from your outer ear, after you place it, look in the mirror.
ITE and ITC styles will be the only possibilities for those people who can’t wear a BTE device with their glasses. If you of your glasses a lot, for example, a BTE device will be a real hassle. Children will typically 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. Use this trial to see if you can wear both or not.