Couple wearing hearing aids with glasses enjoy a vacation.

Hearing aids and glasses might seem like oil and water, but is there a means to get these two very important items to work together? This typical question is specifically true if you are thinking about a behind-the-ear (BTE) model. People often ask whether they can work together comfortably. The answer is yes.

People who wear glasses should think about a few things before purchasing hearing aids. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to wearing hearing aids and glasses, together.

Picking The Hearing Aids That Best Fit Your Needs

There is a lot to think about when you shop for hearing aids, even when you don’t happen to wear glasses. You can get hearing aids in many sizes, styles, and shapes. If you like fancy colors, you can get that also. The point is, the days of having to wear hearing aids like your grandpa did is gone.




Understanding The Different Features

When shopping, it’s the features that should be your number one concern not the shape of the hearing aid. Advancing hearing aid technology is causing features to change all of the time. Watch for some of these common ones:


Your objective is to find the right set of features to fit your lifestyle. Then the style of the hearing aid can be chosen.

Wearing BTE Hearing Aids With Glasses


  • Consider the size of the BTE hearing aids before purchasing. There is the standard version, which can be a little bit bulky but can still work with glasses. The other choice is a relatively new style called mini BTE. Decreased feedback and improved comfort are gained by making the behind the ear portion smaller. The only sure way to know which one will work best for you is to try them both.
  • Practice taking your glasses off by pulling them forward with both hands instead of pulling them up with one. Taking them off in this way won’t become a habit immediately. When you forget to use this motion you will knock off your hearing aid and that will help reinforce the practice.
  • First put your glasses on, then put in your hearing aid. You can work the placement of your hearing aid around the arm of your glasses which is a little more rigid. After placing the hearing aid, look in the mirror to be certain it’s not hanging off your outer ear.

There will be some people that will have to stay with ITE or ITC devices. As an example, if you take your glasses off a lot, BTE devices will be a much bigger hassle. Children and people who have smaller ears will have difficulty with this combination, too. If you schedule an appointment with a hearing aid professional you can get a free trial period to find out which style fits your lifestyle. Trying the different styles is the only way you will know which style works best for your needs.
