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Your glasses should feel comfortable, almost like they’re not even there. If they make the area behind your ears hurt, something isn’t right. Luckily, ear pain is a common issue among those who wear glasses and is usually easy to fix.
If your glasses make your ears hurt, keep reading to learn possible causes of your discomfort, what to do about it, and when it’s a sign you need a new pair of glasses.
What Causes Glasses to Hurt Behind the Ears?
First, let’s explore some possible reasons your glasses may be making your ears hurt:
- Ill-fitting frames: When the frames are too tight around the temples or don’t align with the natural curve of your head, they can create a pinching pressure on the area behind the ears.
- Incorrect temple length: When the arms of the glasses are too short, they can pull ward and dig into the ears. If they’re too long, they can slide around, causing friction and irritation.
- Weight of the frames: Heavier frames, like those made from metal or acetate, can create downward pressure on the ears.
- Uneven or warped frames: Frames can become bent or warped due to daily wear, improper storage, or being accidentally dropped. This can cause one ear to carry more weight than the other, creating discomfort.
- Poor nose pad fit: If the nose pads don’t fit quite right, the weight of the glasses shifts backward to the ears.
- Skin sensitivity or allergies: Some people are allergic to certain metals used in glasses frames, such as nickel. Additionally, a build-up of dirt, sweat, or hair products on the frames can cause skin irritation around the ear.
How to Fix Glasses That Make Your Ears Hurt
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to fix your glasses so they don’t make your ears hurt anymore, from getting them professionally adjusted to preventing slippage to cleaning them regularly.
Ensure the Right Fit
Professional opticians can heat and reshape the frames, adjust the curves, increase the nose pad height, and make sure they’re balanced. Avoid DIY adjustments, as they can cause damage and make your ears hurt worse if done incorrectly.
Reduce Slipping
Consider adding temple sleeves or anti-slip grips to your glasses. These accessories are a simple, inexpensive way to make your glasses sit more comfortably behind your ears. You can also seek professional adjustments to ensure the frame sits correctly on the bridge of your nose to reduce slipping.
Clean and Maintain Your Glasses
A build-up of oils, sweat, and hair products can cause irritation, especially for those who have sensitive skin. Regularly clean the entirety of your glasses — not just the lenses — to help reduce discomfort.
When Ear Pain from Glasses Is a Sign You Need a New Pair
Sometimes, when your glasses make your ears hurt, it’s a good indication that you need a new pair. Wear and tear can cause the frames to warp over time, affecting how they sit on your face. Here are some ways to prevent ear pain with your new glasses:
Get a Professional Fitting Before You Buy
When purchasing a new pair of glasses, make sure the temple length, bridge and frame width, and nose pad position are right for your face. Try on lots of different frame styles until you find one that’s comfortable.
Optical professionals can give you personalized frame recommendations based on your head shape, ear placement, skin sensitivities, and personal preferences, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
Opt for Lightweight, Hypoallergenic Materials
If you have sensitive ears, stick with lightweight materials like titanium, TR-90, or flexible plastic like acetate. If you know you’re allergic to nickel, avoid frames that contain it and consider opting for something like stainless steel instead.
Consider Your Daily Activities
Make sure the glasses you choose fit your lifestyle. For example, different frames may be more suitable for participating in sports than for wearing all day in the office. If your day-to-day life is more active, prioritize anti-slip features for increased comfort.
How Wolcott Optical Can Help
If your glasses make your ears hurt, you don’t have to just put up with it. At Wolcott Optical, we’re committed to helping our customers find glasses that not only look great, but fit comfortably and enhance their lives. With a large selection of frames, we’re sure to have plenty of options that won’t make your ears hurt or cause any other discomfort, and our expert staff is trained to help you solve fit issues. Stop by our shop in Salt Lake City today for personalized assistance!
