Transparency is a characteristic we value, so we need to bring this issue out into the open.
Here is the truth. Hearing aids don’t directly cause ear infections, but without proper cleaning and maintenance, they can make your odds of developing an ear infection increase, especially if you are already prone to them.
What happens, especially with in-the-ear (ITE) styles, is the buildup of earwax and/or the accumulation of moisture due to sweating or humid weather, which is exacerbated by the presence of your hearing aid in the outer ear canal. This moisture accumulation provides the ideal environment for bacteria, which increases your risk of an infection.
Let’s take a moment to explore the types of infections that hearing aid users sometimes develop, how to prevent them, and how we can help.
Types of Ear Infections
These ear infections can be caused by different factors, but we believe it’s important for you to be aware of them.
Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Better known as "swimmer's ear," this type of ear infection affects the outer ear canal from the outer ear to the ear drum. It is caused by bacteria or fungi that find a suitable environment for growth in the moisture that is trapped in the ear canal, typically after swimming, thus its nickname.
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
The middle ear is the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains a series of tiny bones that are necessary for transmitting sound to the inner ear. Otitis media occurs when bacteria or a virus enters the middle ear as a complication of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection.
What happens is the Eustachian tube becomes blocked, trapping fluid and creating an environment where bacteria or viruses can thrive.
Inner Ear Infection or Labyrinthitis (Otitis Interna)
Inner ear infections are typically the result of a viral infection, such as the common cold, flu, or other viral illnesses. Because it affects the part of the ear that assists with balance, labyrinthitis often leads to dizziness, hearing loss, and balance issues.
How to Lower Your Risk of Developing Ear Infections From Your Hearing Aids
Before we continue, it is necessary to understand that hearing aids and ear infections do not go hand in hand. If you are a hearing aid wearer, you can lower your risk of developing an ear infection by consistently taking three preventative steps at home:
1. Regularly clean your hearing aids at night.
Regularly clean your hearing aids at night. If you adopt this practice before going to bed, your hearing aids have a chance to dry and air out while you’re asleep, and you won’t rush through the cleaning process and try to put on wet hearing aids before rushing out the door in the morning.
2. Always remove your hearing aids when you are in the water.
Not only is moisture an enemy to the delicate electronics of your hearing aids, but using hearing aids in water increases your chances of trapping moisture in your ears. Whether showering, washing your face, swimming, soaking in a hot tub, or relaxing in a sauna, you should ALWAYS remove your hearing aids.
3. Invest in a hearing aid drying box or dehumidifier.
If you live in a humid environment, you really have to use either desiccants or air and UV light to draw moisture out of your hearing aids when you’re not wearing them. Some drying box or dehumidifier models even help disinfect your devices. These tools ensure that your hearing aids are clean and dry before you put them in.
Professional Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance
Our hearing care professionals at All About Hearing educate hearing aid wearers on how to properly clean their hearing aids and prevent moisture buildup that can contribute to ear infections.
Professional cleaning and maintenance help ensure that you get the most out of your hearing aids and reduce your risk of developing an ear infection from your hearing aids.
We recommend that you bring your hearing aids in every six months for a thorough and professional cleaning and maintenance check.
Professional Earwax Removal
Your hearing aids are not the only possible cause of moisture accumulation in your ears. Earwax buildup can also be a cause. Fortunately, our hearing care professionals also provide professional earwax removal as part of our ongoing support for our patients.
We Are Here to Help
Before you start to worry about wearing hearing aids causing ear infections, it is critical to understand that your device(s) will not directly cause ear infections. Your hearing aids provide tremendous benefits when it comes to your quality of life and your capacity to continue to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle.
The thing is, you’re unlikely to experience ear infections if your hearing aids are properly cleaned and kept dry. Your hearing care team at All About Hearing is here to help in every way possible.
Get in touch with us for help with how to properly clean and care for your hearing aids, to set up an earwax removal appointment, or to schedule a clean-and-check appointment for your hearing aids. You can contact us online or give us a call at (432) 689-2220.
