Hearing Aids and Ear Infections: Understanding the Risks & Tips for Proper Use
Our ears do so much for us every day. They help us talk to each other, hear warnings like a car honking, and enjoy the sounds of laughter, music, or birds singing. Hearing is such an important part of life that most people don’t even think about how much they rely on it. But for those who have trouble hearing, life can feel a lot harder—missing out on conversations or everyday sounds can be frustrating and isolating.
This is where hearing aids come in. They’re small devices that make sounds louder, helping people with hearing loss stay connected to the world. And there are a lot of people who need them—about 1.5 billion people around the world struggle with hearing loss, according to experts. Hearing aids can make a huge difference, but sometimes, if not used or cleaned the right way, they can lead to problems like ear infections.
That brings us to a big question. If hearing aids are so important for those with hearing loss, can you still wear them if you get an ear infection?
Can Hearing Aids Indeed Cause Ear Infections?
Hearing aids themselves don’t actually cause ear infections, but they can make it easier for infections to happen if they’re not used or cleaned the right way. Here’s why:
1. Trapped Bacteria and Moisture
Hearing aids, especially the ones that sit inside your ear, can trap moisture or bacteria. Sweat, humid air, or too much earwax can make the inside of your ear damp. And when your ear doesn’t get enough airflow, it creates a cozy spot for bacteria to grow, which can lead to an infection. If your hearing aid isn’t properly cleaned, it might carry bacteria into your ear, making things worse.
2. Poor Fit and Irritation
If your hearing aid doesn’t fit well, it can rub against the skin inside your ear and cause irritation or small scratches. These tiny injuries make it easier for bacteria to sneak in and cause problems. Over time, an ill-fitting device might even make your ear canal feel sore or tender, adding to the discomfort.
3. Sore Ear Canal Troubles
When the ear canal is sore or irritated, it can become really uncomfortable to wear a hearing aid. Plus, the soreness might worsen if the bacteria get into those irritated spots, potentially leading to a full-blown ear infection.
How to Use Hearing Aids Properly to Avoid Ear Infections
Taking good care of your hearing aids and using them the right way can help keep your ears healthy. Follow these tips to lower the risk of ear infections, sore canals, or other ear-related problems.
1. Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Hearing aids can collect ear wax and bacteria, so it’s important to clean them every day. Use a soft cloth to wipe them down carefully and small cleaning tools, like brushes or picks, to remove wax buildup from tiny openings. Make sure to remove the hearing aids before cleaning them and avoid using water or harsh chemicals since this can damage the device. Regular cleaning like this keeps bacteria off your hearing aids and stops it from spreading to your ears.
2. Make Sure Your Hearing Aids Fit Properly
Hearing aids that don’t fit right can irritate your ears. If they’re too tight, they’ll press on the ear canal, and if they’re too loose, they’ll move around and rub the skin. This rubbing can lead to discomfort, redness, or even small scrapes, making your ears more prone to infection. If your hearing aids feel uncomfortable, ask your audiologist to adjust them or get custom molds for a better fit. A proper fit not only feels better but also helps prevent sore spots and irritation inside your ears.
3. Keep Everything Dry
Moisture from sweat, water, or humid weather can make your ears damp, which allows bacteria to grow. To avoid this, always take out your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or working out. You can also use a drying kit or dehumidifier for hearing aids to keep moisture away after wearing them all day. Keeping both your ears and your hearing aids dry will help stop bacteria from causing infections.
4. Practice Good Ear Hygiene
Your ears should be kept clean to prevent problems while wearing hearing aids. Wipe the outside of your ear gently with a soft cloth to remove any sweat or debris, and don’t stick anything, like cotton swabs, into your ear canal since that can push wax deeper. Clean ears provide a healthier environment for wearing hearing aids without the risk of irritation or infection.
5. Pick the Right Type of Hearing Aid for You
Different hearing aids fit differently, and knowing which one works best for you is important.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) devices sit behind your ear with a small tube or mold going into your ear canal. They often allow good airflow, which helps prevent infections.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) devices fit directly in your ear canal and can sometimes trap moisture, so they may need extra cleaning care.
Talk to an audiologist to decide the style that offers comfort and fits your needs. The right type of hearing aid can reduce problems like moisture buildup or irritation.
6. Give Your Ears a Break
Wearing hearing aids all day can irritate your skin, so it’s smart to take short breaks. Remove them when you’re at home relaxing or when they aren’t needed as much, like during bedtime. These breaks help your skin “breathe” and recover, lowering the chances of discomfort or soreness.
7. Visit an Audiologist Regularly
An audiologist can help you spot issues early, like hearing aids that don’t fit correctly or signs of irritation in your ears. They can also give your hearing aids a professional cleaning, making them safer to use. Regular checkups ensure your hearing aids are working well and not causing any harm to your ears.
Do You Stop Wearing Hearing Aids if You Have an Ear Infection?
Caring for your ears is important, especially if you wear hearing aids. But if you get an ear infection, should you stop using them? The answer is usually yes—it’s a good idea to take a break from wearing your hearing aids while your ear heals. Using them during an infection can irritate your ear, trap moisture, and make the infection worse. Removing them gives your ear time to recover and can help you heal faster. Even though it might feel inconvenient, your ear health should come first.
If you need to protect your ears in loud environments, some hearing protection options work with hearing aids. But before using them, it’s best to ask a doctor for advice. They can recommend what’s safe based on your ear condition and hearing needs.
Here are some simple tips to follow if you’re dealing with an ear infection and wear hearing aids:
- If you think you have an ear infection, see a doctor right away. They’ll tell you if it’s okay to keep wearing your hearing aids or if you need to stop for a while.
- Gently wipe the outside of your ears with a soft cloth. Avoid putting anything, like earbuds or cotton swabs, inside your ear canal since that can worsen the problem.
- Use any medications or ear drops your doctor recommends. This will help your ear heal faster so you can go back to using your hearing aids.
- Once your ears heal, clean your hearing aids thoroughly to make sure no bacteria or grime transfers back to your ears.
Take it slow and give your ears the rest they need to heal. You can safeguard your ear health and quickly resume wearing your hearing aids comfortably by adhering to these tips!
