Wearing Hearing Aids with Glasses - Tips & Best Models

Many people who need hearing aids also wear glasses, and the prospect of managing both devices behind the ears can seem daunting. Both glasses temples and behind-the-ear hearing aids compete for the same limited space on top of your ears, which raises questions about comfort, stability, and practicality. The good news is that millions of people worldwide successfully wear both, and choosing the right hearing aid style makes the combination completely comfortable.

At our Islamabad clinic, roughly half of our patients wear glasses. We have extensive experience helping glasses wearers find hearing aids that sit comfortably alongside their spectacles without interference, discomfort, or feedback issues.

Best Hearing Aid Styles for Glasses Wearers

CIC / IIC (Completely-in-Canal / Invisible-in-Canal)

CIC hearing aids are the best option for glasses wearers because they sit entirely inside the ear canal with nothing behind the ear. There is zero conflict with glasses temples since the hearing aid does not occupy any space on or behind the ear. If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, this is the most comfortable combination.

Click CIC (Silk)

The Signia Silk Click CIC is an excellent glasses-friendly option. Like the CIC, it sits completely inside the ear canal. The advantage of the Silk is that it does not require custom ear mold impressions, so you can be fitted with the hearing aid and walk out wearing it with your glasses the same day, with zero behind-the-ear clutter.

RIC (Receiver-in-Canal)

RIC hearing aids have a very slim profile behind the ear, making them compatible with most glasses frames. The small housing typically sits above or slightly behind the glasses temple without significant overlap. For glasses wearers who need more amplification than CIC devices can provide, RIC is the recommended choice.

BTE (Behind-the-Ear)

BTE hearing aids are larger and sit behind the ear alongside the glasses temple. While this combination works well for many people, it requires more careful positioning. Our audiologist will help you find the optimal placement where both the hearing aid and glasses temple coexist without pressure points or discomfort.

Tips for Comfortable Daily Wear

• Choose Thin Glasses Frames: Thin metal or wire-frame temples leave more room behind the ear for hearing aids. Thick plastic frames can create competition for space.
• Consider Slim RIC Models: If you need a behind-the-ear style, choose the slimmest RIC model available. Signia's latest RIC devices are remarkably thin and sit high on the ear, above most glasses temples.
• Use Retention Accessories: Hearing aid retention clips or sport locks can keep your hearing aid secure even when adjusting glasses frequently.
• Practice the Routine: Develop a consistent routine for putting on and removing both devices. Within a week, it becomes automatic and effortless.
• Adjust Glasses Temple Angle: Ask your optician to adjust the temple curve so it sits slightly higher or lower than your hearing aid for minimal overlap.

Common Concerns and Solutions

Feedback When Adjusting Glasses

Sometimes pushing glasses up or adjusting them can shift the hearing aid and cause momentary whistling. Modern Signia hearing aids have advanced feedback cancellation that eliminates this almost entirely. If it persists, our audiologist can adjust the feedback management settings.

Hearing Aid Falling Off

Some people worry about the hearing aid being knocked off when removing glasses. Using the correct removal order (glasses first, then hearing aids) and gentle movements prevents this. Over time, it becomes second nature.

Soreness Behind the Ear

If you experience soreness from both devices pressing on the ear, visit our clinic for an adjustment. We can modify the hearing aid's ear hook angle, switch to a thinner tube, or recommend switching to an in-canal style that eliminates behind-the-ear pressure entirely.

Sunglasses and Hearing Aids

Pakistani summers mean frequent switching between regular glasses and sunglasses. If you wear BTE or RIC hearing aids, practice switching eyewear without disturbing your hearing aids. Many of our patients keep their hearing aids on continuously and simply slide glasses on and off over them. With practice, this becomes seamless.

View our complete hearing aid range or contact us to discuss the best option for your glasses and hearing needs.