People who are new to using hearing aids are often concerned about whether they will be able to use them in collaboration with their glasses, especially if they have the behind-the-ear (BTE) style of hearing aids. Thankfully, this concern may not necessarily be that big of a problem.
For those who wear glasses and also require hearing aids, picking the best model that suits your hearing needs as well as prevents discomfort from wearing glasses is essential. Nowadays, hearing aids are sleek, stylish, and come in various shapes, designs, and colors. The basic styles of hearing aids available are important to explore before you choose the hearing aids that is best for you.
There are three basic styles when it comes to hearing aids; in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and BTE. The problem with BTE hearing aids is that a large part of the device is placed behind the ears, which can make it uncomfortable to wear them in collaboration with glasses. If you have glasses, you may benefit from opting for the ITC or the ITE styles.
In some cases, BTE devices may just be what you need. Even though BTE devices are placed mostly behind the ear, as the name suggests, you can still use them while wearing glasses, as long as you follow certain guidelines.
BTE devices vary in size; some are bulkier than others, so you can select a size that is comparatively smaller and enables you to wear glasses at the same time. Nowadays you can even opt for mini BTE devices which have reduced feedback as well as maximized comfort, since the outer portion behind the ear is much smaller.
If you choose BTE devices, you can practice wearing and removing your glasses in a careful manner using both hands rather than just one. This way, you will be able to carefully remove your glasses uniformly without dislocating your hearing aids.
Another guideline for those who wear glasses and BTE devices is to wear the glasses before you wear your hearing aids. This way, you can place your glasses in the corner of the ear where they will not interfere with the BTE device, and your BTE device will be more securely placed. Always put on your hearing aids as well as your glasses while looking into a mirror so that you can make sure no portion of the BTE or glasses is sticking out awkwardly.
For those who do not use glasses often and need to remove them quite often, using BTE devices may be quite a hassle. You may want to skip the extra effort and simply opt for an ITC or the ITE hearing aids. If in doubt, ask your audiologist to guide you regarding which hearing aids will best suit your daily lifestyle. You can even try out a certain hearing aid style for a trial period at no cost to see if it suits your daily needs.