Practical advice
Wearing hearing aids with glasses
Find out how to wear hearing aids and glasses together without discomfort. Learn which styles sit best behind the ear, how to keep both secure through the day, and what to ask for at a fitting appointment.
Why glasses and hearing aids compete for space
Behind-the-ear hearing aids rest on the same ridge of cartilage where the arms of your glasses hook over. When both are worn together, they press against each other. That pressure can cause soreness after a few hours, or make one device slip when you move your head quickly.
The problem is worse with thicker frames or heavier hearing aid models. Thin wire frames leave more room, while chunky acetate arms take up most of the available space. If you already wear glasses all day, the extra bulk of a hearing aid changes how everything sits.
You do not have to choose between seeing clearly and hearing well. The trick is finding a combination that shares the space behind your ear without forcing either device out of position. An audiologist who fits hearing aids will look at your glasses before recommending a specific model, because the frame shape matters as much as the hearing loss itself.
Which hearing aid styles work best with glasses
Receiver-in-canal models are the most common choice for people who wear glasses. The main body sits behind the ear, but it is small enough to tuck under a glasses arm without creating a hard pressure point. The thin wire that runs into the ear canal does not interfere with frames at all.
Completely-in-canal or invisible-in-canal hearing aids avoid the problem entirely. They sit inside the ear bowl, leaving the outer ear free for glasses. These smaller devices suit mild to moderate hearing loss. They may not carry enough power for a severe loss, so the decision depends on what the hearing test shows.
Behind-the-ear models with a full earmould are larger. They can still work with glasses, but the fit needs more care. If you prefer this style, mention your glasses during the fitting appointment so the audiologist can adjust the mould and the casing to sit flush rather than stacked.
Putting them on and taking them off
The order matters. Put your hearing aids in first, then slide your glasses on. This lets the hearing aid settle into its correct position before the glasses arm comes over the top. If you put glasses on first, the hearing aid has to push past the frame, which can knock it loose or bend the tubing.
When taking them off, reverse the process. Lift the glasses away first, then remove the hearing aids. Doing it this way stops the glasses arm from catching the hearing aid and pulling it off your ear.
If you take your glasses on and off frequently, such as for reading, practise the sequence until it feels automatic. Rushing increases the chance of dropping a hearing aid on a hard floor. A lanyard or retention cord clipped to the hearing aid gives extra security if you are moving around a lot during the day.
Keeping both secure through the day
Friction is the main reason things slip. Skin oils, sweat, and rain all reduce grip behind the ear. Wiping the area with a dry cloth before putting your devices on helps them stay put longer.
Anti-slip ear hooks made from soft silicone can be fitted over the end of a glasses arm. They grip the skin behind the ear and stop the frames sliding forward when you look down. Some people use them only during exercise or outdoor work, while others wear them all day.
If your hearing aid shifts every time you chew or talk, the fit may be slightly loose. A specialist who supplies hearing aids can add a small retaining clip or adjust the shell so it hugs the ear more closely. You should not have to keep pushing devices back into place. Constant fiddling means something needs adjusting.
What to say at your fitting appointment
Bring the glasses you wear most often to your hearing aid fitting. The audiologist needs to see exactly how they sit so the hearing aid can be shaped around them. A pair you rarely use will not give an accurate picture of daily wear.
Ask about the weight and thickness of different hearing aid casings. Even a millimetre difference changes how the two devices share space. If you have several pairs of glasses for different tasks, mention that too. Sunglasses with thick arms might need a different approach from your everyday reading frames.
During the trial period, pay attention to comfort after three or four hours. A fit that feels fine in the clinic can become irritating by late afternoon. Report any soreness or slipping so the specialist can reshape the mould or suggest a smaller model. Book a hearing test in Glasgow to start the process.
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