How to Wear Headphones with Glasses

Do you have difficulty wearing headphones with glasses? You’re not alone! Wearing headphones with glasses can be a challenge, but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your music or podcasts.
 
This post will show you the best tips and tricks for ensuring your listening experience is comfortable and enjoyable. Read on as we discuss why your headphones hurt, how to wear headphones with glasses, and the reasons for the discomfort when wearing headphones with glasses.
 

Ouch – these headphones are hurting me!

If you wear glasses, you know there can be challenges to wearing headphones and glasses simultaneously.
 

Pressure on your glasses may cause headaches

 
One of these challenges is getting a headache after a few minutes of use. The pressure of the headphones on your head and the pressure of your glasses on your temples and ears can cause compression headaches.
 
These headaches arise when something tight is placed on the head, causing pressure to build up and blood flow to decrease. The longer you wear your headphones and glasses, the more intense the pain becomes.
 

Friction can result in sore ears

 
The outside of your ear is a delicate cartilage called the pinna. Putting pressure on the pinna by wearing headphones and glasses can hurt. You might even end up with a skin abrasion that could get infected.
 
In a worst-case scenario, it’s possible to develop cartilage inflammation, a condition known as chondritis, which can cause a permanent deformity if left untreated.
 

There may be general discomfort

 
Wearing headphones over your ears can be uncomfortable and may even be painful. This is because the ear cups may press and hurt your ears. It can even give you a headache.
 
Plus, if you’re a glasses wearer, the headphones pressing on your specs can cause even more discomfort and pain.
 

How to wear headphones with glasses comfortably

For many people, wearing headphones with glasses can be a struggle. But don’t worry; there are solutions.
 

1. Choose thin-frame glasses

 
Thin-frame glasses won’t press against your ears and will prevent your headphones from pushing your glasses out of place. It might not seem like a big deal, but constantly having your glasses slip during your favorite tune can be frustrating.
 
So, consider investing in some thin-frame glasses when you want to listen to music with headphones without any discomfort.
 
You might be interested in these Mouqy thin-frame and lightweight glasses.
 

2. Adjust your headset properly

 
Wearing headphones with glasses can be a real pain, literally. However, there are ways to adjust your headset to keep your glasses and ears feeling comfortable. The first thing to do is to loosen up the headphones so they aren’t pressing too tightly against your frame.
 
Additionally, move the ear cups around your ears instead of over them, which helps distribute the pressure more evenly.
 
Taking regular breaks from wearing headphones can also help reduce discomfort.
 

3. Get headphones with thicker ear pads

 
If you’re looking for new headphones, look for those with more cushioned padding or adjustable headbands to provide better comfort with glasses. The extra cushioning can help distribute pressure more evenly against your ears and glasses, reducing discomfort.
 
Some headphones are designed explicitly with glasses in mind, offering adjustable ear cups or pads that provide more space. Choose this type of headphones.
 
Research sound quality and aesthetic options when considering headphones with a thicker ear pad. You don’t have to compromise sound quality and style for comfort.
 

4. Slip your glasses temples above the headphone earpieces

 
Placing the temples above your headphones helps distribute the pressure across your head instead of your ears. This technique works best if your glasses fit snugly on your head so they don’t shift around while wearing headphones.
 
By using this trick, you can enjoy using your headphones without the pain of the earpieces interfering with your glasses.
 

5. Stretch out your headphones to loosen the fit

 
Headphones often come more tightly constructed out of the box. They need time to “wear in” and be comfortable.
 
To loosen the fit early, you can wear them over a stack of books or a couch cushion overnight, which will help to ease the tension.
 
Additionally, it’s essential to adjust the headphones to fit over the ears instead of pressing against them. This way, there is more room for your glasses, reducing discomfort.
 

What causes discomfort when wearing headphones with glasses?

The fitment of the headset is often the main culprit in your discomfort when wearing headphones with glasses. It causes pressure on specific areas of the head where glasses usually rest.
 
The ear cups of some headphones can pinch the sides of glasses, causing discomfort in the ears, above the ears, or head. The tightness of the headset around the glasses can also shift the alignment of the frames, making them sit crooked on your face.
 
Another reason is the headset or padding material. Some headphones have hard or thin padding, which can pressure your ears and the sides of your glasses. Over time, this pressure can lead to discomfort and even headaches.
 
Choosing headphones with thicker, softer padding that conforms to the shape of your ears and head is essential. Headphones with quality padding will distribute the pressure evenly, reducing the discomfort of wearing headphones with glasses.
 

 
Poor headphone design can also cause issues. Some headphones are poorly designed to fit with glasses, potentially resulting in worse pain. Poor design may include headphones with ear cups that are too small or tight, putting pressure on the sides of the glasses and ears.
 
Additionally, some headphones may not have adjustable ear cups or headbands, making it difficult to find the perfect fit. Wearing poorly designed headphones can affect your listening experience, so invest in some good ones.
 
Lastly, wearing headphones with glasses can be uncomfortable if you choose the wrong frames. This discomfort can be due to the weight and size of the glasses, which can affect how the headphones fit.
 
Glasses with thicker or heavier frames can put more pressure on the sides of the head and ears, making it more challenging to wear headphones comfortably. If your glasses are too big or bulky, they can get in the way of the ear cups, leading to discomfort when the headphones are pressing against the frame.
 
Choosing a pair of lightweight glasses with minimal frames can help reduce these uncomfortable experiences, making it easier to wear headphones for extended periods.
 

Up your audio experience by choosing the right glasses for headsets

With the correct type of headphones and some adjustments, you can easily overcome the challenge of wearing headphones with glasses.
 
Taking regular breaks from wearing headphones can also help to reduce discomfort. It’s important to prioritize comfort when selecting headphones for glasses wearers to have a smoother listening experience.
 
For more tips and tricks related to eyewear and general eye health, visit the Mouqy blog.