Can you wear hearing aids with glasses?
Yes. Many hearing aid wearers also wear glasses, and modern hearing aids are small enough that both can usually sit behind the ear comfortably. The space behind the ear is limited, though, so it can take a little practice and occasionally a small change to the hearing aid or frames to get it right.
The main things people notice are a feeling of crowding behind the ear, the hearing aid being knocked out of place when glasses go on or come off, and occasional whistling if the frame arm sits close to the microphone. Each has a simple fix.
It is worth getting this right, because sight and hearing work together. Being able to see a speaker’s face clearly helps you pick up lip movements and expressions, which fill in words you might miss by ear alone. Wearing both comfortably means you get the benefit of each, particularly in conversation, at the GP surgery or in a busy shop.
How to put on hearing aids and glasses
Most audiologists recommend putting your glasses on first, then the hearing aids.
- Put your glasses on and let the arms settle in their usual position.
- Hold the hearing aid and tuck it behind your ear, between the glasses arm and your head, or sitting just behind the arm, whichever feels most comfortable.
- Insert the dome or receiver into your ear canal in the usual way.
- Check in a mirror that the thin wire or tube lies flat against your head.
To take your glasses off, lift them forwards and slightly up with both hands rather than pulling them sideways. This avoids dragging the hearing aid out at the same time. When you take the hearing aids out, remove them before the glasses.
Which hearing aid styles suit glasses wearers?
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids
Small receiver-in-canal aids are the most popular style overall and suit many glasses wearers. The part that sits behind the ear is compact, and the thin wire leaves room for frame arms.
In-the-ear and in-the-canal hearing aids
Custom aids that sit entirely in the ear leave the space behind the ear free for your glasses. They can be a good choice if you find the behind-ear area crowded, if you wear glasses all day, or if you also use a hearing protector or headset. Not every ear canal or hearing loss suits them, so your audiologist will advise. Our page on invisible hearing aids shows the main custom styles.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
Larger behind-the-ear aids, often used for greater hearing loss, can still be worn with glasses. Choosing frames with thin arms makes a noticeable difference.
Choosing glasses frames that work with hearing aids
If you are due new glasses, mention your hearing aids to your optician. Frame features that tend to help include:
- Thin metal or slim acetate arms rather than wide, chunky ones.
- Arms that sit close to the head without pressing.
- A well-adjusted fit, so the glasses do not slide forward and pull on the hearing aid.
If the frame arm rests on the hearing aid’s microphones, you may hear rubbing noises or occasional whistling. Adjusting the angle of the arm or the position of the aid usually solves it. Our guide on hearing aid whistling covers other causes of feedback.
Hearing aids and face masks
Masks with ear loops are the most likely to catch a hearing aid and pull it off, sometimes without you noticing. Hearing aids can be lost this way, so it is worth taking care.
- Choose masks that tie behind the head or use a headband, rather than ear loops.
- Use a mask extender or clip that holds the loops at the back of the head.
- Take masks off slowly, with your hands over your ears, and check both aids afterwards.
- Remove the mask before your glasses, then check your hearing aids are still in place.
Masks also muffle voices and hide lip movements. If you rely on lip-reading, ask people to speak a little more slowly and to face you, and consider a dedicated programme for these situations.
Other practical tips
- Sunglasses and reading glasses. Switching glasses during the day means more chances to dislodge an aid. Slow, two-handed removal helps.
- Hats and headphones. Put the hat on gently over everything and check the aids are still seated.
- Comfort over the day. If you get soreness behind the ear, ask your audiologist to check wire length and positioning. Small adjustments often make a big difference.
- Security. If you are worried about losing an aid, ask about retention options such as a small sport lock or a custom fitting.
Getting the fit right in Sutton Coldfield
At Sutton Hearing Care, we fit hearing aids with your everyday life in mind, including your glasses. Your audiologist will look at how both sit together, show you the easiest way to put them on, and make adjustments at your follow-ups in the first two weeks. You can also try a pair at home for 14 days before deciding.
Start with a free hearing test of up to 90 minutes at our Streetly clinic, with no GP referral. Call 0121 369 0780 or book online. Prices for a pair start from £1,595, as shown on our hearing aid prices page.