Hearing aids and glasses

Many people with hearing loss also wear glasses and wonder whether the two aids can be used together without any problems. The good news is that modern hearing aids are designed so that they can be worn comfortably even with glasses. The key factors are the right design, careful fitting and a few practical tips for everyday life. Here you will find a comprehensive overview of the different types of hearing aids, their suitability for spectacle wearers, and innovative solutions such as hearing spectacles.

An overview of the different hearing aid designs

Hearing aids differ fundamentally in their design and the position in which they are worn on or in the ear. These differences have a direct influence on how well a hearing aid can be combined with glasses. The most common designs include behind-the-ear (BTE) devices, receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices, in-the-ear (ITE) devices, and hearing glasses developed specifically for spectacle wearers.

Behind-the-ear devices consist of a housing that is placed behind the ear and is connected to an earpiece in the ear canal via a thin sound tube. RIC devices are similar in design but have a smaller housing, as the speaker sits directly in the ear canal. In-the-ear devices, on the other hand, are placed entirely within the ear canal or in the outer ear and do not require any space behind the ear. Each design has specific advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when making a choice.

Combining behind-the-ear hearing aids with glasses

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have long been the standard solution for many forms of age-related hearing loss and other types of hearing loss. Their housing sits directly behind the outer ear, where the arms of the glasses also run. This proximity can, in some cases, lead to pressure points or a feeling of tightness, particularly for people with smaller or narrow ears.

However, modern BTE devices are significantly more compact and lighter than older models. Many manufacturers have specifically designed their devices to take up less space behind the ear and to blend harmoniously with spectacle arms. During fitting by a hearing care professional, the position of the device can be adjusted so that it does not interfere with the spectacle arms. Choosing narrower spectacle arms also helps to make the best use of the available space and increase comfort.

For spectacle wearers, it is advisable to ensure that the housing is as flat and lightweight as possible when purchasing a BTE device. Some models feature special designs that adapt better to the anatomy of the ear and minimise interference with the spectacle arms. In practice, it is evident that, with careful selection and fitting, BTE devices and glasses are also perfectly compatible.

RIC hearing aids for spectacle wearers

RIC hearing aids, also known as Receiver-in-Canal or RITE (Receiver-in-the-Ear) devices, represent a modern advancement of the BTE design. The key difference is that the speaker is not housed in the casing behind the ear, but sits directly in the ear canal. This allows the casing behind the ear to be significantly smaller, which is particularly advantageous for spectacle wearers.

The smaller housing takes up less space behind the ear, thereby reducing the risk of pressure marks caused by the arms of the glasses. Nevertheless, even with RIC devices, care must be taken when putting on and taking off glasses to avoid accidentally dislodging or damaging the hearing aid. Another advantage of the RIC design is the often more natural sound quality, as the speaker is positioned closer to the eardrum.

For many spectacle wearers, RIC devices are an excellent choice, as they combine performance and comfort in a compact design. The thin wire connection between the housing and the speaker is virtually invisible and does not interfere with wearing spectacles. Here too, individual fitting by a specialist is crucial to ensure optimal fit and wearing comfort.

In-the-ear hearing aids as a glasses-friendly alternative

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are often considered the most comfortable solution for spectacle wearers, as they are placed entirely within the ear canal or in the outer ear, and therefore take up no space behind the ear. This design encompasses various subtypes, including the small CIC (Completely-in-Canal) devices, which sit deep within the ear canal and are virtually invisible, as well as larger ITC (In-the-Canal) models, which remain partially visible in the outer ear.

The biggest advantage of in-the-ear (ITE) devices for spectacle wearers is that spectacles can be worn without any hindrance. There is no competition for space behind the ear, and there is no risk of dislodging the hearing aid when putting on or taking off spectacles. This makes ITE devices a particularly flexible and straightforward solution.

However, ITC devices are not suitable for every type of hearing loss. In cases of severe hearing loss, the performance of these devices may not be sufficient, as there is less space available for high-performance components. The anatomy of the ear canal also plays a role: in the case of very narrow or unusually shaped ear canals, it can be difficult to produce a suitable device. Furthermore, due to their position in the ear canal, in-the-ear devices are more susceptible to build-up of earwax, which necessitates regular cleaning.

Hearing glasses as an integrated solution

How they work and types

Hearing glasses combine vision and hearing aids in a single device by integrating the entire hearing aid technology directly into the arms of the glasses. This solution eliminates the need for separate components behind the ear and offers a particularly discreet way of using both aids simultaneously. There are two main types of hearing glasses: air-conduction hearing glasses and bone-conduction hearing glasses.

With air-conduction hearing glasses, sound is channelled into the ear canal via an earmould and a thin tube, similar to conventional behind-the-ear (BTE) devices. Bone-conduction hearing glasses, on the other hand, transmit sound directly through the skull to the inner ear, which can be particularly beneficial for certain types of hearing loss. Both types allow the hearing aid controls to be placed directly on the temple of the glasses, making them easier to use.

As an alternative to fully integrated hearing glasses, clip-on systems can also be used, whereby a small hearing aid is attached to an existing temple. This solution offers greater flexibility, as the glasses can be changed independently of the hearing aid.

Advantages and disadvantages of hearing glasses

Hearing glasses offer the distinct advantage of discretion, as the hearing aid is barely noticeable to others due to its integration into the temple. Furthermore, users only need to fit, maintain and wear a single device, which can simplify everyday life. The direct connection between the visual and hearing aids ensures that both functions are always available together.

However, this combined solution creates a strong dependency: if the device fails due to a fault or needs to be sent for repair, the user’s vision and hearing are simultaneously impaired. This can lead to considerable inconvenience in daily life, particularly if no spare glasses or separate hearing aid are available. Furthermore, the range of models available for hearing glasses is often more limited than for separate hearing aids, and the purchase cost can be higher.

Some users find the technology in the temples unfamiliar due to the additional weight or bulk, which can affect comfort. Furthermore, if the prescription of the glasses changes, both components may need to be adjusted, which involves additional effort. Nevertheless, hearing glasses can be an attractive solution for certain user groups, particularly where discretion and simplicity are paramount.

Practical tips for everyday life with hearing aids and glasses

Correct order when putting them on

For maximum comfort in everyday life, the correct order of putting them on is crucial. First, the hearing aid should be positioned, ensuring that it sits firmly and securely behind the ear. Next, the glasses are carefully slid over the ear so that the temple rests over the hearing aid without displacing it or applying pressure.

When removing your glasses, it is advisable to pull them straight forwards with both hands to ensure that the hearing aids are not accidentally moved or knocked off. A little practice can help you make these movements second nature and handle them more confidently in everyday life.

Choosing the right glasses

People who wear glasses and have BTE or RIC hearing aids should preferably choose glasses with narrow and lightweight arms, as these leave more space behind the ear and reduce pressure on the hearing aids. Flat arms can also be advantageous, as they can be better adjusted to fit around the hearing aid.

An optician should regularly check and adjust the arms of the glasses to ensure they do not slip or press against the hearing aids. The length of the arms also plays a role: arms that are too short can mean the glasses do not sit securely enough, whilst arms that are too long can create unnecessary pressure.

Regular fitting and maintenance

Both hearing aids and glasses should be checked and adjusted regularly by specialists. Changes in hearing ability or visual acuity may require adjustments to the devices. The care of hearing aids is also important to maintain their functionality and lifespan. Hearing aids should be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt build-up and malfunctions.

Glasses wearers should also ensure that their glasses are clean and properly fitted to avoid vision problems that could cause additional strain. Good coordination between the hearing care professional and the optician can help ensure that both aids are optimally matched to each other.

Dealing with challenges

If pressure points or discomfort occur despite all adjustments, it is advisable to consult your hearing care professional or optician immediately. Often, minor adjustments or alternative solutions can resolve the problem. Replacing individual components, such as an earpiece or a temple, can also significantly improve comfort.

When choosing the right hearing aid, the individual situation should always be taken into account. Not every design is equally suitable for everyone, and comprehensive advice from specialists is essential to find the best solution.