Since transparency is something we value, we need to clarify how hearing aids and ear infections are connected.
Although they do not directly cause ear infections, without proper cleaning and maintenance, you increase your risk of developing an ear infection, especially those who are already prone to them.
Although all hearing aids have the potential to contribute to earwax buildup and/or moisture accumulation, in-the-ear (ITE) styles tend to contribute to this issue more frequently. Moisture accumulation in ears provides the ideal environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria, leading to bacteria and then to an infection.
The hearing care professionals at Pacific Hearing Service can help limit your risk of developing a hearing infection related to your hearing aids, but before we show you how, let’s take a moment to explore the types of infections that hearing aid users sometimes develop.
Three Types of Ear Infections
Although not all types of ear infections are connected to hearing aid use, understanding the different types can help you recognize potential issues and take steps to protect your ear health. Knowing the distinctions among these infections can be beneficial, whether you use hearing aids or not. It’s part of staying informed and proactive about ear care and overall hearing wellness.
Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Moisture that is trapped in the ear canal, typically after swimming, can cause an outer ear infection, or “swimmer’s ear.” Otitis externa typically affects the outer ear canal from the outer ear to the eardrum due to the growth of bacteria or fungi that find the moist environment quite hospitable.
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
The middle ear is the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains a series of tiny bones that transmit sound to the inner ear. Otitis media develops as a complication of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection. When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked, moisture builds up in the middle ear, allowing an infection to develop.
Inner Ear Infection or Labyrinthitis (Otitis Interna)
This type of ear infection is usually the result of a viral infection, such as the common cold, flu, or other viral illnesses, creating the environment for an infection to develop in the inner ear. Since the inner ear assists in helping you maintain your balance, symptoms of an inner ear infection or labyrinthitis can lead to dizziness, hearing loss, and balance issues.
Lower Your Risk of Developing an Ear Infection from Your Hearing Aids
Ear infections do not go hand in hand with wearing hearing aids. However, hearing aid wearers are at a lower risk of developing ear infections if they consistently apply three preventative practices at home:
1. Clean your hearing aids every night.
Cleaning your hearing aids as a bedtime ritual accomplishes several objectives. It ensures that it is done consistently, it gives your hearing aids a chance to dry and air out while you’re asleep, and you are less likely to rush through the clearing process and put wet hearing aids in your ears before rushing out the door.
2. Never wear your hearing aids in the water.
First of all, moisture is an enemy to the delicate electronics of your hearing aids. Second, wearing your hearing aids, even if they are waterproof, in a moist environment increases your chances of trapping moisture in your ears. Always remove your hearing aids when showering, washing your face, swimming, soaking in a hot tub, or relaxing in a sauna.
3. A hearing aid drying box and/or dehumidifier are well worth your money.
Hearing aid wearers who live in a humid environment really cannot afford not to have one or both devices. Most drying boxes use desiccants or air and UV light to draw moisture from your hearing aids when you’re not wearing them. Some models disinfect your devices as well, ensuring that your hearing aids are free of infection-causing microbes.
The team of hearing care professionals at Pacific Hearing Services is here to keep you informed when it comes to how to properly clean your hearing aids and educate you on how to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to an ear infection, but we take things a step further by providing ongoing support services for our hearing aid wearers, including:
Our 19-Point Hearing Aid Tune-Up
The 19-Point Hearing Aid Tune-Up at Pacific Hearing Service is designed to keep your hearing aids performing at their best. Prescription hearing aids are a long-term investment, and over time, exposure to moisture, earwax, dust, debris, and oils from fingertips can gradually wear down their sensitive electronics. After hundreds of hours of use, this buildup can lead to failure of key components, often affecting sound quality and clarity.
Our detailed inspection checks every aspect of your devices to identify and address these issues, ensuring they continue to deliver clear sound. If you’ve noticed a change in your hearing, this thorough tune-up will help determine if your devices need adjustments or further care, allowing you to enjoy reliable, optimal hearing support.
Professional Earwax Removal
Whether you wear hearing aids or not, the accumulation of moisture in your ears due to the buildup of earwax or some other obstruction in the ear canal can also lead to an ear infection.
Fortunately, our ongoing hearing care support also includes professional earwax removal for hearing aid wearers and non-hearing aid wearers to help keep your ears healthy and happy.
