If you wear glasses and a behind-the-ear hearing aid, both devices need space around the top and back of the ear. At first, the combination may feel crowded or create small tapping sounds when the eyeglass arm touches the hearing-aid case.
The good news is that many people wear both successfully. Comfort usually depends on the exact hearing-aid shape, the eyeglass temples, the position on the ear and the way each device is put on and removed.
Why the area behind the ear feels crowded
NIDCD explains that behind-the-ear hearing aids place the main case behind the ear. Receiver-in-canal and small open-fit designs also use space behind the ear, with a thin wire or tube leading into the ear canal.
Eyeglass temples pass over the ear in the same area. Thick frames, a loose bend, a bulky hearing-aid housing or an oxygen tube can increase pressure. Hair, hats and masks may add even more contact.
A little awareness is normal during the adjustment period. Pain, broken skin or a device that repeatedly falls off is not something you should simply tolerate.
Check the position of both devices
Stand in front of a mirror in good light. The hearing-aid case should rest securely behind the ear without twisting the receiver wire or tube. The dome or earmold should be inserted according to the product instructions.
Place the eyeglass temple so it rests naturally without pinching the hearing aid tightly against the head. Depending on your ear and frame, the hearing aid may sit slightly outside or beside the temple rather than directly underneath it.
Do not force the wire, tube or case into a sharp bend to make room. If the placement never feels stable, a hearing-care professional or optician may be able to adjust the fit.
Build a repeatable morning routine
Use the same order each day until it becomes familiar. Some people prefer to put on their hearing aids first and then slide on their glasses. Others find it easier to position their glasses first and then place the hearing aids. The best order is the one that lets both devices sit correctly without pulling or twisting.
After both are in place, gently touch the hearing-aid case and eyeglass temple. Confirm that the hearing aid is secure, the wire or tube follows its normal path and the glasses sit level.
Practice over a bed, table or soft towel at first. If a device slips, it is less likely to hit a hard floor.
Remove glasses without pulling off the hearing aid
Accidental loss often happens during removal. Use both hands to hold the temples near the hinges and pull the glasses forward in a straight, controlled motion. Avoid sweeping one temple sideways across the hearing aid.
After removing the glasses, touch the hearing aid to confirm it is still seated correctly. This is especially important before leaving a car, restaurant or other busy place.
When taking off a mask, hat or oxygen tubing, slow down and remove one item at a time. Check the hearing aids after each step.
Reduce rubbing, tapping and microphone noise
Contact between the eyeglass arm and hearing-aid case can create tapping or rubbing sounds. First, check whether the glasses are sliding because the frame is loose. Also make sure the hearing aid is fully seated rather than hanging at an angle.
Clean both devices as directed. Skin oil or hair products can make frames move and may affect the hearing-aid microphone or surface. Do not place adhesive, foam or an improvised cover over microphone openings.
If noise continues, try the glasses and hearing aids separately to identify the contact point. A professional adjustment is safer than bending the hearing-aid wire or modifying the case yourself.
Look at the eyeglass frames too
The hearing aid may not be the only item that needs adjustment. An optician can check whether the frame is too wide, too tight or uneven. A thinner, straighter or better-fitted temple may leave more usable space behind the ear.
Bring your hearing aids when choosing or adjusting glasses. Likewise, bring your usual glasses when evaluating a behind-the-ear hearing aid. Testing the combination is more useful than judging either device alone.
Do not choose an in-the-ear hearing aid only because you wear glasses. Hearing needs, dexterity, ear anatomy, comfort, features and medical considerations all belong in the decision.
Do not ignore soreness or poor retention
Stop and check the fit if you notice persistent redness, tenderness, broken skin, swelling or pain. Remove the hearing aid and seek appropriate help if irritation is significant. Ear pain, drainage, sudden hearing change or a foreign object in the ear requires medical attention.
If the hearing aid repeatedly lifts out when you move your glasses, ask about the receiver or tube length, dome fit, retention piece or another suitable configuration. Do not use glue, strong tape or a tight elastic band around the device.
A quick comfort checklist
- Use a mirror and good lighting while learning the routine.
- Confirm the hearing aid is fully and comfortably seated.
- Position the glasses without pinching the case or bending the wire.
- Practice over a soft surface.
- Remove glasses forward with both hands.
- Check the hearing aid after removing glasses, hats or masks.
- Ask an optician to assess loose, thick or uneven frames.
- Seek help for persistent rubbing, pain or poor retention.
Comfort should not require a complicated ritual. With a stable frame, correct hearing-aid placement and a gentle removal technique, glasses and hearing aids can become an easy part of the same daily routine.
