A common question we receive at our Markham hearing clinic is, “Can you wear hearing aids with glasses?” That’s understandable; after all, depending on the device style, both need to fit behind your ear.
The good news is that you can absolutely wear hearing aids with glasses. While certain combinations of frames and hearing aids can take a little getting used to, a comfortable fit is possible with the right devices, proper positioning, and a few adjustments.
Below, we explain how to wear hearing aids and glasses together, which hearing aid styles tend to work best, and what to look for when choosing eyeglass frames.
Can You Wear Hearing Aids With Glasses?
Yes, wearing hearing aids with glasses is common.
That said, glasses rest on your nose and ears, and some hearing aid styles have a small component that sits behind the ear. Depending on the size and shape of your devices, this can occasionally cause pressure, rubbing, or difficulty keeping everything in place.
However, modern hearing aids come in a variety of sizes and styles, including discreet behind-the-ear models and devices that fit entirely inside the ear. So, if you have glasses you already love, you don’t necessarily need to replace them.
Likewise, if you’re happy with your hearing aids, you might only need a minor adjustment to your frames or the way you position the devices for the perfect fit.
Can You Wear Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids With Glasses?
Yes, you can still wear glasses with behind-the-ear hearing aids. The key is making sure there’s enough room for both devices to sit securely without discomfort.
There are two common behind-the-ear styles, and their size and design can affect how they fit with glasses.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Traditional BTE hearing aids have a shell that goes behind the ear, with tubing that connects the device to an ear mold inside the ear. BTE hearing aids are available in different sizes and can accommodate a wide range of hearing needs, including profound hearing loss.
Because some BTE models are larger than other hearing aid styles, they tend to take up more space behind the ear. This can make wearing thick or bulky glasses frames a little more challenging.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear both. Proper positioning and well-fitting glasses can help prevent the devices from competing for space.
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
RIC hearing aids, also called RITE hearing aids, have a component that rests behind the ear. But unlike traditional BTE models, the speaker, or receiver, sits inside the ear canal and connects to the shell through an extremely thin wire.
RIC hearing aids are among the most discreet and popular options for adults. The housing behind the ear is smaller and slimmer than a conventional BTE hearing aid, which can make it easier to fit your glasses.
When wearing RIC hearing aids with glasses, make sure the receiver wire follows the contour of your ear comfortably and doesn’t get knocked out of place when you put on or remove your frames.
Ultimately, both BTE and RIC hearing aids can be excellent choices for glasses wearers. The best device depends on your hearing needs and preferences.
How Do You Wear Hearing Aids With Glasses? 6 Tips for a Comfortable Fit
Whether you currently have or are considering traditional BTE hearing aids, smaller RIC devices, or another style, these tips can help make wearing hearing aids with glasses a whole lot easier.
1. Put Your Glasses on First
For behind-the-ear hearing aids, try putting your glasses on first, then gently placing your hearing aids behind your ears. Make sure they sit securely without being pushed outward or pressing awkwardly against the arms of your frames.
You might need to experiment a bit. The goal is for both devices to feel stable without pinching or putting excessive pressure on your ears. Some people do find the reverse order works better with their particular devices, so don’t worry if you need to switch up your routine.
2. Give Both Devices Enough Room Behind Your Ears
The arms of your glasses, also called the temples, share space with BTE and RIC hearing aids. Thick frames can make the area feel crowded, particularly if you wear a larger hearing aid.
When shopping for new glasses, consider thin, lightweight frames. These generally leave more room for your hearing aids.
If you’re not in the market for new frames and your existing glasses have thicker arms, you may need to adjust how the devices sit relative to each other.
Avoid forcing either into an uncomfortable position. If there doesn’t seem to be enough space, your optician or audiologist may be able to help.
3. Be Careful When Removing Your Glasses
One of the most common frustrations with hearing aids and glasses is accidentally dislodging a hearing aid when taking off your frames.
To avoid this, use both hands to gently slide your glasses forward, keeping the arms level as you remove them. Try not to pull your glasses upward or sideways, as this can catch on a hearing aid or its tubing. Then, double-check that the hearing aids are still correctly seated in and on the ears.
4. Make Sure Your Glasses Fit Properly
Glasses that are too tight can create pressure behind your ears, especially when you’re also wearing hearing aids.
On the other hand, loose glasses can slide down your nose, causing you to push them back repeatedly and potentially disturbing your hearing aids.
If your frames aren’t sitting properly, an optician can often adjust the temples or nose pads to improve the fit. Bring your hearing aids to the appointment so the optician can see how both devices sit together.
5. Give Yourself Time to Adjust
If you recently started wearing hearing aids, it can take a little time to get used to having something else around your ears.
Stand in front of a mirror and practice putting on and removing your glasses, adjusting your hearing aids, and checking their positioning. Eventually, these movements will become second nature.
However, while a short adjustment period is normal, persistent pain, rubbing, or irritation isn’t something you should simply tolerate.
6. Ask Your Audiologist for Help
If your hearing aids and glasses keep interfering with each other, don’t assume that’s just part of wearing both.
Your audiologist can check the fit and positioning of your hearing aids and determine whether adjustments could improve comfort.
Depending on the style, this might involve assessing the fit of the ear mold or changing the length of the receiver wire or tubing. Sometimes, a small tweak can have a big impact.
Are In-the-Ear Hearing Aids Better for People Who Wear Glasses?
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids can be appealing because they don’t occupy any space behind your ears. This means your glasses won’t touch the devices.
There are several styles to choose from, including custom ITE hearing aids that fit within the outer ear, smaller completely-in-the-canal (CIC) models, and virtually undetectable invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) devices.
However, there isn’t one hearing aid style that’s best for every glasses wearer. Your type of hearing loss, ear anatomy, dexterity, lifestyle, and preferred features all play a role in determining which hearing aids are most appropriate.
For example, smaller hearing aids can be more difficult to handle, and certain styles might not be right for all degrees of hearing loss or may not have the features you want.
Your audiologist can help you weigh these considerations against the convenience of keeping the area behind your ears free and recommend a style that suits your needs and preferences.
What are the Best Glasses to Wear With Hearing Aids?
There’s no need to search for specialty glasses for people with hearing aids. Most conventional glasses work well, as long as they fit properly and don’t take up too much room behind your ears.
When it comes to finding the best glasses to wear with hearing aids, frame design matters. Here are a few features worth considering:
- Thin temples: The temples are the arms of your glasses that extend over your ears. Slimmer arms leave more space for hearing aids, making them a good option for people who wear BTE or RIC devices.
- Lightweight materials: Thin, lightweight options, like metal or wire frames, can help minimize pressure around your ears. They’re also less bulky than thicker acetate frames.
- A secure, adjustable fit: Opt for frames that stay in place without squeezing your head or sliding down your nose. Adjustable nose pads and temples can help your optician fine-tune the fit to accommodate your hearing aids.
Pro tip: Bring your hearing aids with you when shopping for new glasses. Try on different frames with your hearing aid in place, and practice putting them on and taking them off a few times. Pay attention to any pressure, rubbing, or shifting of your devices.
Alternatively, if you’re getting hearing aids for the first time, bring your everyday glasses with you to your audiology appointment. Your audiologist can help you find hearing aids that fit comfortably with your existing frames.
Hearing Aids and Glasses: The Bottom Line
You don’t have to choose between hearing clearly and seeing clearly.
With the right combination of devices and a few simple adjustments, most people can comfortably wear hearing aids and glasses together, whether they use traditional BTE, RIC, or custom ITE styles.
At Archer Hearing Centre, our Markham audiologists consider your hearing needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences when recommending hearing aids. We’ll also take your eyewear into account to help you find a solution that works for you.
Ready to explore your options? Book an appointment at Archer Hearing Centre today!
