Below is everything you need to know to create a comfortable fit when wearing hearing aids and eyeglasses. Or when wearing sunglasses when the sun is shining bright.
ITC vs BTE Hearing Aids
There are two primary hearing aid types and styles, In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE). Your audiologist will advise on which technology is right for you. When pairing eyewear with hearing aids, BTE models are the only cause for concern.
BTE Hearing Aids
Behind-The-Ear aids may be prescribed for significant hearing loss or for those with limited dexterity. BTE aids have both an inner-ear component (earmold) and an outer-ear component (shell). The shell houses the auditory technology and the earmold transmits sound. The shell and earmold connect to one another through a comfortable plastic wire. The wire and shell may interfere with eyewear.
ITE Hearing Aids
In-The-Ear hearing aids pose zero risk for reduced comfort or function when wearing eyewear. These discrete devices are worn in the ear canal, with no external shell. However, ITC devices may not be the prescribed technology for your level of hearing loss, dexterity, or lifestyle.
Where The Potential For Discomfort Arises
There is not much space above and behind the ears. So, if you need to make space for hearing aids and eyewear arms (aka. temples) you can run into a few issues. This is one of the top reasons to have your hearing device properly fitted. Eyewear must be fitted too, but that is to ensure your glasses stay put and are not too tight on your head. Have your eyewear fitted before your hearing device.
Top Causes of Concern
- Reduced audio quality: Without a proper fit, your glasses can disrupt the positioning of your outer ear shell. This disruption can reduce your audio quality.
- Pain and pressure: The weight and pressure of an improper fit of either or both your eyeglass arms and aid shell can cause undue pain. This often displays as a headache or sore temples.
- Skin irritation: The skin on the face and ears is thin and sensitive. The friction and pressure of an improper pairing can lead to chaffing, redness, and irritation.
How to Ensure Hearing Aids Stay Put When Wearing Glasses?
In addition to the challenges above, you may worry about losing your hearing aids or knocking them out of place when taking your glasses on and off. Auditory technology is expensive, so you want to minimize drop and damage risk.
You may utilize a combination of the tips below to ensure stability, comfort, and function when wearing hearing aids with eyeglasses.
- Consider temple-free eyewear: If they are comfortable for you, consider glasses that do not have arms. These models clip onto the nose with no contact with the ear.
- Get fitted by an audiologist: An audiologist can custom-fit your BTE hearing aids to ensure comfort when wearing your glasses. This might include providing a longer wire and advising on the remaining tips.
- Select glasses with thin arms: Thin-wired arms are a top pick when wearing hearing aids and glasses. With the proper fit and retention tools, you can still wear larger, thicker, and stylized eyewear.
- Retention tools: You may need to invest in retention locks, grips, stickers, and clips. Retention clips often attach the shell to a neck cord. You may require these tools daily or only when playing sports or engaging in other physical activities.
- Custom earmolds: Custom earmolds optimize comfort and minimize the risk of both the inner and outer components falling out.
What About Hearing Aid Glasses?
There are two types of hearing aid glasses, but the current generation may not meet your needs in terms of auditory function.
Integrated Frames
These glasses attach the hearing aid shell securely to the arms. The wire runs directly from the arm to the earmold, so your glasses are the only apparatus that rests on and behind your ears. Integrated frames typically have larger arms, but a limited range of shapes and colors. They are only available in a small range of BTE aids.
Smart Eyewear
Smart eyewear is in its infancy, so there may soon be better options for hearing impairment. Current models either have Bluetooth speakers that reside in the arms or attach to an earbud-type wire. Their primary function is to transmit music, mobile device audio, and enable hands-free phone calls. Some brands integrate with apps for real-time language translation. When it comes to hearing loss, smart eyewear currently lacks advanced features, such as noise filtering and directional microphones.
Need to Be Fitted For Glasses and Hearing Aids?
If you live in or around Staten Island, New York or Holmdel, New Jersey, and you want to improve comfort and function when wearing glasses and hearing aids—schedule an appointment with Dr. Stella Fullman of Audiology Island.
In addition to fitting existing hearing aids, Dr. Fullman can perform a diagnostic hearing evaluation. If you need to upgrade your auditory technology, you can enjoy your new hearing aids with a 45-day risk-free trial. This provides you with ample time to ensure a perfect match between your eyewear and aids.