Hearing aids

Ear infections, itchiness and allergies when wearing hearing aids

Last updated on:

Reading time: 4 mins

Author: EarPros team

Fingers pointing at the specific part of the hearing aid fitted on the patient

While hearing aids are crucial for enhancing auditory experiences, they may sometimes lead to issues such as allergies, infections, and irritation.

When used properly, hearing aids generally do not cause discomfort unless the wearer has particularly sensitive skin or allergies. Wearing hearing aids incorrectly or failing to follow proper hygiene can increase the likelihood of experiencing these adverse effects. To prevent ear infections from hearing aids, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies, inform the provider at the time of purchase.

A woman with a yellow shirt perfoming a hearing test

Schedule a free hearing consultation near you

Take care of your hearing health now!

Visit the nearest store

Do hearing aids cause ear infections?

A hearing aid is in constant contact with your ear, which can lead to ear infections from wearing hearing aids, such as otitis or otomycosis (fungal ear infections). Those with sensitive skin or allergies should be particularly cautious in selecting their hearing aids to mitigate these risks.

Can you wear hearing aids during an ear infection?

It's typically advised to avoid wearing hearing aids if you're dealing with an ear infection. The discomfort can be exacerbated if your ears are already tender and inflamed. Hearing aids can also obstruct necessary airflow to the ear during the healing process. Additionally, inserting or removing the devices might introduce new bacteria or cause minor abrasions, potentially aggravating the infection.

Clean hearing aid to prevent ear infection

Maintaining ear and hearing aid cleanliness is vital in preventing infections, especially for those frequently affected. Unclean hearing aids may retain moisture or harbor bacteria. Ensure to air out your ears nightly by removing hearing aids and using specific cleaning solutions to eliminate pathogens from the devices.

Learn more about hearing health

Keep yourself updated with the latest articles about hearing health and hearing conditions on our blog.

Why do my hearing aids make my ears itch?

Itching from hearing aids may occur due to allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin. Irritation or dermatitis can develop when aids contact skin treated with certain soaps or lotions. A well-fitting hearing aid shouldn't cause discomfort or itching.

What should I do if I have allergic reactions?

If you experience an allergic reaction to your hearing aids, it's important to stop using them and seek advice from an ENT specialist. They can provide tailored solutions to address the issue. To alleviate allergy symptoms, treatments such as medicated drops, creams, or oral medication may be necessary. Additionally, consult with your doctor for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan for the allergic reaction.

Ear dermatitis: hearing aid itch relief cream

For relief from itching caused by hearing aids, identifying and avoiding allergens is essential. Dermatologists or audiologists might suggest a specific hearing aid itch relief cream, often a corticosteroid formulation, to diminish swelling and alleviate itching.

Selecting the right hearing aid for allergies

For individuals with allergies, selecting a hearing aid requires careful consideration of the materials used in the device, ensuring they are tested and certified. Consulting with a specialist is recommended to find the most suitable option tailored to your auditory requirements.

How to stop ears from itching when wearing hearing aids?

To alleviate itching while wearing hearing aids, follow these key steps:

Maintain device cleanliness: Regularly clean your hearing aids to remove wax and debris.
Use hypoallergenic wipes: Clean the aids with special wipes designed for hearing devices.
Keep ears dry: Ensure your ears are dry before inserting the hearing aids.
Apply ear creams: Use ear creams recommended by dermatologists for dry skin.
Check for proper fit: Consult an audiologist to ensure the hearing aids fit correctly.
Allergy check: Have an audiologist assess if you're allergic to the hearing aid material.

What are other side effects of a hearing aid?

Hearing aids are remarkable devices that have transformed the lives of countless individuals with hearing loss, allowing them to reconnect with the sounds of the world around them. While these devices offer immense benefits, it's important to recognize that, like any technology, they may have some side effects such as tinnitus, listening fatigue, and headaches.

Can hearing aids cause headaches?

One of the most frequently encountered consequences of regular hearing aid use is the occurrence of headaches. This arises from the sudden introduction of heightened sound levels to the ears, which have become accustomed to lower levels of auditory input. Typically, these headaches tend to dissipate after a few months, as individuals become acclimated to their hearing aids and gain better control over volume settings in various situations.

Nonetheless, although headaches remain uncommon among hearing aid wearers, certain factors can elevate the likelihood of experiencing them. For instance, individuals diagnosed with hearing loss by an audiologist long before opting for hearing aids are more prone to experiencing headaches as they adapt to using these devices.

Do hearing aids cause tinnitus?

Hearing aids themselves do not inherently cause tinnitus, but they can have an impact on individuals who already experience tinnitus. When individuals with tinnitus begin using hearing aids, they may initially notice the amplification of external sounds, which can sometimes make their tinnitus more noticeable.

However, modern hearing aids are equipped with advanced features, such as noise masking or sound therapy programs, which can help manage and even alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Therefore, while hearing aids may initially affect tinnitus perception, they can also offer valuable solutions for tinnitus management and overall improved hearing. It's important for individuals with tinnitus to work closely with audiologists to find the right hearing aid settings and features to address both their hearing loss and tinnitus.

Hearing aids and listening fatigue

Hearing aids are powerful tools for improving communication and reconnecting individuals with the world of sound. However, some users may experience listening fatigue when they first begin wearing hearing aids. This fatigue is often a result of the brain adjusting to the influx of auditory information after a period of reduced hearing. The brain has to work harder to process and filter the increased sounds, which can lead to feelings of exhaustion, particularly in noisy or challenging listening environments. It's important to note that this initial listening fatigue is temporary. As users become more acclimated to their hearing aids, the brain's ability to process sounds efficiently typically improves, and the fatigue diminishes. Additionally, modern hearing aid technology, including features like noise reduction and speech enhancement, can help minimize listening fatigue and enhance the overall listening experience for users.

With you on your journey to better hearing.

It's time to finally treat your hearing loss. Sign up for a free consultation with a licensed hearing care professional today to determine if you have hearing loss. It’s the start of your journey towards better hearing.

EarPros benefits:

It's 100% risk free
Best partner with more than 1.000 stores

E-mail

First name

Last name

Phone

Zipcode:

By clicking the “Submit” button below, I provide my consent to be called or texted through an automated dialing system, by EarPros.com and affiliated companies Miracle-Ear and Amplifon Hearing Health Care may contact me at my number provided on this form. I understand that the calls and/or texts will be in reference to hearing products, that my consent is not required in order to purchase, and that EarPros.com and Data Controller companies will transfer my data to operate in my state.