If you wear glasses and have recently been told you need hearing aids, you might be wondering how on earth you're going to fit both comfortably behind your ears. It's one of the most common concerns we hear at our clinics in Bolton and Haslingden, and the good news is that it's far easier to manage than most people expect. With the right hearing aid style, a few practical adjustments, and some expert guidance, you can wear both devices together without discomfort or frustration.
Why Glasses and Hearing Aids Can Feel Tricky at First
The space behind your ear is surprisingly busy real estate. Your glasses arms (or temples) sit along the top of your ear and rest against the side of your head, while behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids occupy much the same area. When you add both together, it can initially feel crowded, and you might worry about one knocking the other out of place.
Common concerns we hear from patients across Greater Manchester and Lancashire include:
- Hearing aids feeling loose when putting glasses on or taking them off
- Soreness or pressure behind the ear after wearing both for several hours
- Fear of dropping or damaging hearing aids when removing glasses
- Uncertainty about which device to put on first
These worries are completely understandable, but none of them should stop you from getting the hearing support you need. Let's look at how to solve each one.
Choosing the Best Hearing Aid Style for Glasses Wearers
The hearing aid style you choose makes a significant difference to your comfort when wearing glasses. Here's how the main options compare:
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
RIC hearing aids are often the best choice for glasses wearers. The main body of the device sits behind your ear, but it's remarkably small and slim. A thin, almost invisible wire runs into your ear canal, where a tiny receiver delivers sound directly. Because the housing is so compact, it tucks neatly beneath or alongside your glasses arm without competing for space. Most of our patients in Bolton and Haslingden find RIC models the most comfortable option when wearing glasses daily.
In-the-Ear (ITE) and In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
These styles sit entirely inside the ear, leaving the space behind your ear completely free for your glasses. If behind-the-ear comfort is a real concern for you, an in-the-ear style eliminates the issue altogether. The trade-off is that these models may not suit every type of hearing loss, so it's worth discussing your audiogram results with your audiologist to see if they're appropriate for you.
Traditional Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Larger BTE hearing aids can work alongside glasses, though they require a bit more attention to positioning. If a BTE model is the best match for your hearing needs, your audiologist can help you find the most comfortable arrangement. Modern BTE devices are much slimmer than older models, so even this style is more manageable than you might imagine.
Practical Tips for Wearing Both Comfortably
Regardless of which hearing aid style you choose, these everyday tips will make life much easier:
- Put your hearing aids on first, then your glasses. This gives the hearing aid a secure position before your glasses arm slides over or beside it. When removing them, take your glasses off first. This simple routine prevents you from accidentally flicking your hearing aid out when adjusting your glasses.
- Use both hands when putting on or removing glasses. Pulling glasses off one-handed with a sideways motion is the most common way people dislodge a hearing aid. Using both hands and lifting straight forward keeps everything in place.
- Ask your optician about thinner glasses arms. If you're due new frames, mention that you wear hearing aids. Many opticians in Bolton and across Lancashire can recommend frames with slimmer, lighter temples that leave more room behind the ear.
- Consider a glasses cord or strap. If your glasses slip frequently and you're constantly adjusting them, a lightweight retainer cord reduces how often you need to handle them, which means fewer chances of disturbing your hearing aids.
- Give yourself time to adjust. Like anything new, wearing both together feels unfamiliar at first. Most of our patients tell us that within a week or two, they barely notice either device.
What About Face Masks and Hats?
It's worth mentioning that the behind-the-ear juggling act can become even more complex when you add face masks, hats, or scarves into the mix. This is especially relevant during Lancashire's colder months, when stepping out in Haslingden or walking through Bolton town centre often means bundling up.
A few additional tips for these situations:
- If you wear a face mask, choose one with ties that go around the back of your head rather than ear loops, which compete with both your glasses and hearing aids for space.
- When wearing hats, opt for looser-fitting styles that don't press tightly against your ears. A beanie pulled down firmly can push hearing aids out of position or cause feedback.
- Remove hats carefully, lifting upward rather than pulling backward, to avoid catching your devices.
How Your Audiologist Can Help
At Fresh Hearing, we fit hearing aids to your unique ear shape, hearing profile, and lifestyle. When you tell us you're a glasses wearer, we factor that into every recommendation we make. During your fitting appointment, we'll ensure your hearing aids sit comfortably alongside your glasses and make any physical adjustments needed for a secure, pressure-free fit.
We can also demonstrate the best way to handle both devices together, so you leave your appointment feeling confident rather than anxious. If you've already been fitted with hearing aids elsewhere and are struggling with comfort alongside your glasses, we're happy to help with adjustments and alternative solutions.
Our next day and evening appointments at both our Bolton and Haslingden clinics make it easy to get expert advice at a time that suits you, whether you're fitting it around work, childcare, or other commitments.
Don't Let Glasses Put You Off Better Hearing
We understand that the thought of managing another device behind your ears can feel daunting. But wearing glasses and hearing aids together is something millions of people do every single day, comfortably and confidently. With today's slim, lightweight hearing aid designs, the two sit together far more easily than most people expect.
The benefits of addressing hearing loss, from sharper conversations and richer social connections to better cognitive health, far outweigh any minor adjustment period. Don't let a practical concern delay something that could genuinely transform your quality of life.
If you wear glasses and suspect you might benefit from hearing aids, or if you're already wearing both and finding it uncomfortable, we'd love to help. Get in touch with Fresh Hearing today to book a consultation at our Bolton or Haslingden clinic. Our friendly team will guide you towards a solution that feels as natural as putting on your favourite pair of specs.