The discomfort of ear pain caused by wearing eyeglasses is a common issue for many people. This pain is usually a direct result of an improper fit or an imbalance in how the frame’s weight is distributed across the face and head. Whether the pain is constant pressure or stinging irritation, it indicates that the frame’s temple arms are not correctly contoured to the unique shape of your head. Relief requires identifying the specific cause and applying targeted adjustments.
Identifying the Source of Discomfort
The first step toward relief is determining the exact location and nature of the pain. The ear is composed of sensitive cartilage, making it susceptible to pressure. Pain felt directly behind the ear, often near the small, bony prominence called the mastoid bone, signals that the temple arm’s bend is too tight or is pressing too hard against the skull.
Discomfort on the upper curve of the ear, the helix, is usually caused by friction or an incorrect temple arm length. If the arms are too short, they can pull the frame forward and dig in. If they are too long, the glasses may slide and cause rubbing. A general, heavy ache can also result if the weight of the frame and lenses is not properly balanced between the nose and the ears.
Immediate Home Adjustments and Accessories
For minor fit issues, simple adjustments can provide immediate relief. If plastic frames feel too tight, gently warm the temple arm tips by soaking them in warm tap water for 30 to 60 seconds, avoiding submerging the lenses. Once warm, you can slightly straighten the curve of the temple arm to reduce pressure behind the ear. For metal frames, a small adjustment with covered pliers may slightly widen a pinching section, but this carries a risk of damage.
A safer, non-permanent solution involves using specialized accessories to redistribute pressure or create a cushion. Silicone ear hooks or sleeves can be fitted over the temple tips to provide a soft barrier against the ear’s sensitive cartilage. These accessories increase the contact area, which lowers localized pressure, and their high-friction material helps prevent slippage. Another option is anti-slip wax, which temporarily increases friction on the frame, allowing for a looser overall fit that remains secure.
When Professional Adjustment is Required
While home fixes offer temporary relief, severe misalignment or persistent pain requires the expertise of an optician. Professionals use specialized heat tools and precision instruments to make structural changes to the frame without causing damage. This is necessary for complex materials like titanium or memory plastics, which do not respond well to DIY adjustments.
A professional adjustment often focuses on the bridge and nose pads, which are the main components for weight distribution. If the nose pads are incorrectly set, the majority of the frame’s weight shifts backward onto the ears. An optician can adjust the angle and position of the nose pads to shift the weight forward onto the nose, significantly relieving pressure on the temple arms and the ears. Visiting an optician also ensures that the temple arms are given the correct “pantoscopic tilt” and that the screw tension is optimal, guaranteeing the frame is balanced and sits correctly on the face.
Choosing Frames for Long-Term Comfort
Preventing ear pain starts with selecting a frame that is correctly sized and designed for comfort. Frame material plays a significant role, as lightweight options like titanium or flexible acetate plastics minimize the overall weight resting on the ears. Titanium is particularly beneficial because it is both strong and hypoallergenic, reducing the chance of skin irritation.
Proper measurements are foundational to a comfortable fit, specifically the Temple Length, which dictates how far the arms extend before curving over the ear. The curve of the temple arm should align precisely with the wearer’s ear shape to avoid pressure on the mastoid bone. Choosing a frame with spring hinges offers better flexibility. These hinges allow the temple arms to flex outward slightly when putting the glasses on, which reduces pressure on the side of the head and behind the ears during wear.