Is it even possible to comfortably wear hearing aids at the same time as you are wearing your glasses, even though the two don’t seem very agreeable? How to wear both is a question that comes up a lot, specifically if you are thinking about behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. People often ask whether they can work together comfortably. Yes is the answer.

People who wear glasses should consider some factors before buying hearing aids. Use these guidelines to be sure your hearing aids and glasses work well together.

What Style of Hearing Aids Are Best for You?

There are quite a few factors, in general, to consider when buying new hearing aids. Hearing aids come in all shapes, styles, and sizes. They even offer them in stylish colors if you like that sort of thing. The point is, the days of having to wear hearing aids like your grandpa did is gone.

Finding out exactly what kind of hearing aids are available is the way to begin the process. They break down into three basic categories:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This is an older style of hearing aid, but today’s version of this technology is much more advanced. With this style, the main section of the device mounts right behind the ear with clear tubing that connects to an earmold resting in the opening of the ear canal. Open-fit versions are basically the same setup but without the earmold.
• In-the-ear (ITE) – As the name implies, this format of hearing aid fits right into the opening of the ear canal and has nothing sitting behind the ear.
• In-the-canal (ITC) – This style is a lot like the ITE model but it sits deeper inside the ear, making them almost invisible.

If you wear glasses, you can stay clear of a lot of issues with ITE and ITC models. Once you choose the physical style, it’s time to compare the features of different hearing aids.

Learning About The Different Features

Ultimately, it’s really the features that should drive your purchase as you look for hearing aids, not the shape. Hearing aid technology is evolving all the time, so features change. Some common ones to look for include:

• Directional microphone – This helps pinpoint the sound you need to hear when you are in a noisy space. For example, if someone is talking to you at a restaurant, you will be able to hear their speech easily in spite of the noise all around you.
• Noise reduction – Filters out background noise by amplifying one channel to enhance speech.
• T-coil – This function allows you to hear better while using a land-line phone. T-coil technology is effective if you are listening to people talk through a speaker like at church or on the radio.

Finding the best features to fit your lifestyle is the objective. After that picking out the style should be easy.

Can You Even Use BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses?

It is possible to wear BTE hearing aids at the same time as glasses. If you want them to be comfortable you need to wear both of these important accessories the proper way. Here are some tips:

• Using both hands, and in a forward motion, practice taking off your glasses. It’s going to take some time to make this movement a habit. When you forget to do this motion you will knock off your hearing aid and that will reinforce the practice.
• First put your glasses on, then your hearing aid. You can work the placement of your hearing aid around the arm of your glasses which is a little more rigid. After placing the hearing aid, check in the mirror to be certain it’s not hanging from your outer ear.
• Before you make an investment look closely at the size of the BTE. There is the traditional version, which is a little bulky but will still work with glasses. A newer style choice is the mini BTE. Decreased feedback and enhanced comfort are gained by making the behind the ear part smaller. Either one will work fine with glasses but find out which style fits you best.

ITE and ITC styles are the only choices for those that can’t use a BTE device with their glasses. BTE devices will be a big problem if, for example, you take your glasses off a lot. Children will commonly have problems with this type of hearing aid and also adults with small ears. Most quality hearing aid retailers offer a trial period, so schedule an appointment to see what device is the right one for you. Whether or not you can wear both will be evident after you try them.