I am due for some new glasses, but I recently also got hearing aids. What features should I be looking for when I shop to avoid having problems with these two medical appliances competing for space on my head?
Answer: Accommodating both glasses and hearing aids is definitely a common fitting challenge, and there are some important elements to attend to when getting set up with some spectacles that won’t fight your technologically-enhanced new ears. Probably the principal fitting consideration is the thickness of the temples – those arms of the glasses that go behind your ears. If they’re too chunky, they’ll be wrestling for real estate with your hearing aids and could maybe even nudge them out of place. We’re aiming for something nice and slim, and of an appropriate length. If the temples are too long, they could potentially catch on your hearing aids with an irritating frequency. If they are too short, your glasses won’t stay in place. Some people find a straight, flat temple that hugs your head, rather than curving around your ears, can work well, too.
When it comes to what the frames are made of, think light! Materials like titanium or stainless steel are strong without adding bulk. Style-wise, rimless or semi-rimless frames, or even finer full rims of either metal or acetate often have naturally thinner temples. Size-wise, frames that are neither oversized nor too narrow in width for your head are less likely to slip forward and require constant adjustment to stay put. And when it comes to the lens options, choosing a thin and light lens material where advised by your eyecare professional will result in glasses that are as harmonious as possible with your new hardware upgrade.
With the above frame and lens recommendations in mind, head in to your favourite eyewear dispensary and remember to bring those hearing aids to your fitting. That way you can try on different frames while you’re wearing them to see what feels best and looks fantastic. It’s the only way to be sure we’re not setting up a tug-of-war match between your sight and sound. Remember, comfort is king (and queen!), and we want you to not only see the world clearly but hear it clearly too, without any clashes between your eyewear and your ear-wear.
