We advise you to speak with your healthcare physician if you experience any or all of the symptoms listed below. When in doubt about a medical problem, always consult a doctor or other trained healthcare practitioner.
Since using your hearing aids, have you found the itching in your ears to be bothersome? The ear canal's skin is extremely delicate and sensitive. Itching is thus a common side effect of wearing hearing aids. This article will explain the typical causes of skin irritation and offer treatment recommendations.
Why Are My Hearing Aids Irritating My Ears?
You have dry skin, itchy ears, and you have to take out your hearing aids multiple times a day due to discomfort. It is critical to comprehend the causes of this as well as the connection between ear inflammation and hearing aids.
For those who have hearing loss, hearing aids are tiny electrical devices that optimize and enhance sound. With ear molds or open-fit silicone domes, many hearing aids are worn in close proximity to the skin of the ear canal. Additionally, some hearing aids completely fit inside the ear canal.
For this reason, the pieces of the hearing aid can cause irritation to the skin in the ear canal. Skin irritation may result from natural oils and perspiration-related skin particles pressing up against the hearing aid.
Common Reasons for Hearing Aid-Related Ear Pain
Your skin irritation from your hearing aids could be caused by various factors. While some people may become used to the itching, others will require medical attention.
The following are some of the most typical causes:
Skin conditions: Psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema may worsen if a piece of plastic is continuously in the ear canal or obstructing it. In similar situations, a physician may recommend an ointment to soothe the itching and redness that frequently accompany it.
Allergy reactions to materials used in hearing aids: While silicone and plastic make up the majority of earmolds, some persons may experience an allergic reaction to the acrylic material.
Sweating and uncomfortable ears while wearing hearing aids: moisture and sweat accumulation
Inadequately fitting hearing aids can cause ear canal discomfort, which can also cause ear irritation. symptoms of improperly fitted hearing aids. adapting hearing aids to the comfort of the ear canal.
Blockage and buildup of ear wax: buildup of ear wax and discomfort of hearing aids. Techniques for safely removing earwax.
Recognizing and Avoiding Hypersensitivity Reactions
How can you spot symptoms of an allergy reaction to materials in hearing aids?
An allergic reaction manifests as skin soreness, redness, and swelling, as well as possible ear discharge. Sometimes the user is unable to wear their hearing aids due to the discomfort.
The following advice can help avoid allergic reactions:
1.Make sure to regularly clean your ears.
Earwax and dirt normally build up in your ears on a regular basis.
If you don't clean it often, it can lead to irritation, hearing issues, and even itching.
For this reason, it's critical to maintain a clean ear canal and to routinely clean your hearing aids. Find out from your audiologist and ENT how to properly clean your ears without using anything that can force the wax into the ear canal.
2.Choose hypoallergenic hearing aid materials.
Biocompatible, firm or soft materials that don't irritate the skin of the ears are used to make ear molds. Silicone for soft molds and ultraviolet resin for hard ear shells and earmolds are typically safe materials to employ. Unfortunately, certain people may be allergic to these substances.
To avoid an allergic reaction to other cleaning agents, you should clean your hearing aids on a regular basis using specialized hypoallergenic cleaning solutions.
A selection of cleaning wipes and sprays designed especially for hearing aids are available in the auzen.com store.
3.Avoid contact with allergens.
Allergies to dust, pollen, or pet hair particles can cause allergic reactions in the skin of the ears in certain persons. If so, reduce your exposure to these allergens by remaining inside on days when there is a high pollen alert, using air filters, and routinely vacuuming.
4.See an allergist.
It could be time to see an allergist if these remedies don't relieve your ear irritation. An allergist can identify the allergen and suggest a suitable course of action to control your allergy.
Typical Reasons for Itchy Ears after Getting New Hearing Aids
Sensitivity of the Ear Canal: It's possible that your ear canals aren't acclimated to the foreign object when you first wear hearing aids. This may cause your skin to become irritated and itchy until it adjusts.
Allergy Reactions: Certain metals, silicones, and polymers used in hearing aids can cause allergic reactions in some people. Itching, redness, and discomfort may result from this.
Problems with moisture and hygiene: Ear canals are inherently wet spaces, and wearing hearing aids can make them even more so, creating an environment that encourages the growth of germs or fungi. Itchiness may also be exacerbated by inadequate cleaning of hearing aids or poor personal hygiene.
Improper Fit: An ill-fitting hearing aid can create pressure points and friction inside the ear canal, which can irritate and scratch the skin. This is especially frequent when the assistance is either too tight or too loose.
Ear Wax Buildup: Occasionally, the use of hearing aids might force earwax farther into the ear canal, obstructing it. This can cause irritation and itching in addition to affecting how well hearing aids work.
Here's what we advise if you observe that your skin is dry, irritated, or that the itching doesn't go away:
Tips to Relieve Itchy Ears
Appropriate Care and Cleaning: As directed by the manufacturer, clean your hearing aids on a regular basis. Every day, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth to get rid of any buildup of debris or earwax.
Employ Hypoallergenic Materials: See your audiologist about utilizing protective coatings that lessen contact with irritating materials or transitioning to hypoallergenic hearing aids if you detect an allergic reaction.
Make Sure It Fits Right: See your audiologist to make sure your hearing aids are fitted properly. Hearing aids that are custom-molded may fit better and be less likely to cause pressure spots and friction.
Sustain Ear Hygiene: Make sure your ears are dry and clean. To prevent irritation and earwax buildup, do not put cotton swabs or other things inside your ears.
If necessary, use ear drops designed to dissolve and soften earwax.
Use Over-the-Counter Anti-Itch Ear Drops: These ear drops can offer alleviation in cases of itching.
Usually, these drops have components that calm inflamed skin and lessen inflammation.
Take Breaks: Give your ears a rest from wearing hearing aids if they are extremely scratchy or uncomfortable. You can give your ears a few hours to heal by taking the gadgets out.
Speak with Your Audiologist: See your audiologist if the itching doesn't go away. They can administer the necessary therapies and check for any underlying conditions, such as infections or a considerable buildup of earwax.
Problems in fitting dome hearing aidsThe ability of physicians to suit more ears more openly is one of the best things about contemporary hearing aids and technological breakthroughs.
Since most people who use hearing aids may not have an earmould fitted, this means that there will be more discreet installations. The good news is that there is no need to wait for an earmould to be created in a lab; hearing aids can be fitted right away.
Since the ear is not obstructed, most individuals report that the outcome is a more comfortable fit and more natural sound quality.
To accomplish what is known as a "open fitting," physicians employ domes on the end of behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids rather than molds.
On the other hand, a poorly fitting dome is among the most frequent reasons someone itches for an open fitting.
Even though domes are available in a variety of sizes to fit various ear canals, not everyone can wear them. In this case, the tubing or receiver length should be considered by the physician in addition to the dome size.
An excessively short tube or receiver may cause the dome to rise and apply pressure to the skin.
An excessively lengthy tubing or receiver may cause the hearing aid to raise up from the ear, causing it to itch anytime the head moves.
The sensation of a feather tickling inside the ear canal is akin to irritation caused by a dome that is too small moving about in the canal.
An too large dome may irritate because it gets unpleasant.
Choosing the appropriate dome size
Image 1 of Phonak Power Domes, 900 x 900The stability of the hearing aid in the ear and comfort should be balanced when choosing the right dome and tubing/receiver length, as both might have an impact on the other.
To discover the balance that suits you best, you might need to experiment with a few different dome sizes. After using the aids for a while and getting used to the novel sensation of something in their ears, it's also normal for new users to switch to a different sized dome.
Some brands of BTE hearing aids provide varying depths (the extent to which the device penetrates into the ear canal) in addition to varying lengths.
Selecting the appropriate length for the receiver 155263368355_s-l1600The receiver is the hearing aid's power source when using RIC devices. Because it is an electronic component, the portion of the receiver that is located in the ear canal is significantly larger than the narrow tube of a BTE hearing aid.
The power that best fits the hearing loss will be chosen by the clinician. Some hearing impairments, meanwhile, could lie in the middle of two differing receiver powers. The receiver gets smaller as it becomes less powerful, which can cause a significant difference in fit and reported comfort in the ear.
Therefore, if a patient with a hearing aid complains of itching and discomfort that doesn't go away, the doctor might choose to utilize a less powerful receiver, depending on the hearing loss
Itchy and personalized earmoulds
Itching may also be caused by fit problems with more occluding dome versions, earmoulds, or custom hearing aids.
Compared to a dome, earmoulds occlude the ear more, so moisture accumulation in the ear canal may be more likely to occur.
Moisture that gets caught between an earmould and the ear canal causes itching.
Furthermore, this extra moisture promotes the growth of germs and/or fungi, which can worsen the problem beyond just an itchy skin condition.
Finding a method to control wax is crucial if you are prone to excessive wax buildup since it can trap moisture in the ear and delay the drying process.
One common cause of itching ears when wearing hearing aids is ill-fitting earmoulds. In order to modify the earmould or perhaps take a new ear impression, the doctor will collaborate with you to identify the specific part of the ear canal that is causing the itching. imprint of your ear using a different method.
Let's now look into physiological problems.
Possible minor hypersensitivity responses
Those with delicate skin or those who have experienced a slight allergic reaction to the dome or earmould may experience itchy ears when wearing hearing aids.
Since medical-grade silicone is used to make domes, an allergic reaction to one is significantly less common than one to a custom earmould.
Earmoulds made of acrylic are more likely to cause allergic responses. This results from the acrylic material's monomers being cured during the earmould manufacturing process.
Thankfully, most allergic reactions can be prevented by using hypoallergenic materials like silicone.
Wax and ear oils could be to blame.
Apart from problems with fit, there are additional physiological aspects that might not be the direct cause of ear itching when wearing hearing aids, but they can surely make it worse.
One such instance is dry ears. Wax and oil are produced by the ear naturally; this is one way the ear keeps its health.
The ear canals might become dry and itchy as a result of overzealous ear cleaning that removes this protective layer. Moreover, some people may not naturally produce enough oil or wax in their ears, which causes dry ears.
If so, you can see dry skin flakes in the area around your ears. Psoriasis can cause itchy ears in addition to scaly, inflammatory skin areas inside and/or around the ear. If you wear hearing aids, the itching could get worse. Keep in mind that in these situations, cleaning the ear with items containing alcohol should be avoided as it will exacerbate the dryness and irritation.
Commercially available lotions like Otoease and Miracell can be used to soothe the skin; however, use caution if wearing custom aids or RICs to prevent damaging the electronics in your hearing aids. See your doctor or a dermatologist if the itching doesn't go away.
FAQs
1.How do you stop your ears from itching?
A moderate steroid ear drop can be used to alleviate itching that occurs on its own without any signs of trauma or illness. Applying a few drops into the ear will help lessen the irritation. Applying an ear drop containing 70% alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is an additional beneficial treatment.
2. Can I put vaseline on my hearing aid?
Simple methods for achieving a tighter fit include pushing the aid farther into the ear canal (if this is not uncomfortable), dabbing the dome or earmold with a little amount of Vaseline to form a seal (use sparingly), and, if you are currently using a closed dome, switching to an open one.
3. Is wearing a hearing aid uncomfortable?
So, how unpleasant are hearing aids? To put it plainly, some people initially find them to be a little uncomfortable. There's an adjustment phase, as with many things in life, so early comfort levels will change. But as you become used to your hearing aids, you will eventually become more at ease.
4. Is petroleum jelly good for itchy ears?
Petroleum jelly can be used to relieve and hydrate dry ears in extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold. While they might help soothe itching ears, recipes using vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol are typically not beneficial for dry ears. It is advisable to avoid cleaning with cotton swabs
Pirkko Koskitalo
We advise you to speak with your healthcare physician if you experience any or all of the symptoms listed below. When in doubt about a medical problem, always consult a doctor or other trained healthcare practitioner.
Since using your hearing aids, have you found the itching in your ears to be bothersome? The ear canal's skin is extremely delicate and sensitive. Itching is thus a common side effect of wearing hearing aids. This article will explain the typical causes of skin irritation and offer treatment recommendations.
Why Are My Hearing Aids Irritating My Ears?
You have dry skin, itchy ears, and you have to take out your hearing aids multiple times a day due to discomfort. It is critical to comprehend the causes of this as well as the connection between ear inflammation and hearing aids.
For those who have hearing loss, hearing aids are tiny electrical devices that optimize and enhance sound. With ear molds or open-fit silicone domes, many hearing aids are worn in close proximity to the skin of the ear canal. Additionally, some hearing aids completely fit inside the ear canal.
For this reason, the pieces of the hearing aid can cause irritation to the skin in the ear canal. Skin irritation may result from natural oils and perspiration-related skin particles pressing up against the hearing aid.
Common Reasons for Hearing Aid-Related Ear Pain
Your skin irritation from your hearing aids could be caused by various factors. While some people may become used to the itching, others will require medical attention.
The following are some of the most typical causes:
Skin conditions: Psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema may worsen if a piece of plastic is continuously in the ear canal or obstructing it. In similar situations, a physician may recommend an ointment to soothe the itching and redness that frequently accompany it.
Allergy reactions to materials used in hearing aids: While silicone and plastic make up the majority of earmolds, some persons may experience an allergic reaction to the acrylic material.
Sweating and uncomfortable ears while wearing hearing aids: moisture and sweat accumulation
Inadequately fitting hearing aids can cause ear canal discomfort, which can also cause ear irritation. symptoms of improperly fitted hearing aids. adapting hearing aids to the comfort of the ear canal.
Blockage and buildup of ear wax: buildup of ear wax and discomfort of hearing aids. Techniques for safely removing earwax.
Recognizing and Avoiding Hypersensitivity Reactions
How can you spot symptoms of an allergy reaction to materials in hearing aids?
An allergic reaction manifests as skin soreness, redness, and swelling, as well as possible ear discharge. Sometimes the user is unable to wear their hearing aids due to the discomfort.
The following advice can help avoid allergic reactions:
1.Make sure to regularly clean your ears.
Earwax and dirt normally build up in your ears on a regular basis.
If you don't clean it often, it can lead to irritation, hearing issues, and even itching.
For this reason, it's critical to maintain a clean ear canal and to routinely clean your hearing aids. Find out from your audiologist and ENT how to properly clean your ears without using anything that can force the wax into the ear canal.
2.Choose hypoallergenic hearing aid materials.
Biocompatible, firm or soft materials that don't irritate the skin of the ears are used to make ear molds. Silicone for soft molds and ultraviolet resin for hard ear shells and earmolds are typically safe materials to employ. Unfortunately, certain people may be allergic to these substances.
To avoid an allergic reaction to other cleaning agents, you should clean your hearing aids on a regular basis using specialized hypoallergenic cleaning solutions.
A selection of cleaning wipes and sprays designed especially for hearing aids are available in the auzen.com store.
3.Avoid contact with allergens.
Allergies to dust, pollen, or pet hair particles can cause allergic reactions in the skin of the ears in certain persons. If so, reduce your exposure to these allergens by remaining inside on days when there is a high pollen alert, using air filters, and routinely vacuuming.
4.See an allergist.
It could be time to see an allergist if these remedies don't relieve your ear irritation. An allergist can identify the allergen and suggest a suitable course of action to control your allergy.
Typical Reasons for Itchy Ears after Getting New Hearing Aids
Sensitivity of the Ear Canal: It's possible that your ear canals aren't acclimated to the foreign object when you first wear hearing aids. This may cause your skin to become irritated and itchy until it adjusts.
Allergy Reactions: Certain metals, silicones, and polymers used in hearing aids can cause allergic reactions in some people. Itching, redness, and discomfort may result from this.
Problems with moisture and hygiene: Ear canals are inherently wet spaces, and wearing hearing aids can make them even more so, creating an environment that encourages the growth of germs or fungi. Itchiness may also be exacerbated by inadequate cleaning of hearing aids or poor personal hygiene.
Improper Fit: An ill-fitting hearing aid can create pressure points and friction inside the ear canal, which can irritate and scratch the skin. This is especially frequent when the assistance is either too tight or too loose.
Ear Wax Buildup: Occasionally, the use of hearing aids might force earwax farther into the ear canal, obstructing it. This can cause irritation and itching in addition to affecting how well hearing aids work.
Here's what we advise if you observe that your skin is dry, irritated, or that the itching doesn't go away:
Tips to Relieve Itchy Ears
Appropriate Care and Cleaning: As directed by the manufacturer, clean your hearing aids on a regular basis. Every day, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth to get rid of any buildup of debris or earwax.
Employ Hypoallergenic Materials: See your audiologist about utilizing protective coatings that lessen contact with irritating materials or transitioning to hypoallergenic hearing aids if you detect an allergic reaction.
Make Sure It Fits Right: See your audiologist to make sure your hearing aids are fitted properly. Hearing aids that are custom-molded may fit better and be less likely to cause pressure spots and friction.
Sustain Ear Hygiene: Make sure your ears are dry and clean. To prevent irritation and earwax buildup, do not put cotton swabs or other things inside your ears.
If necessary, use ear drops designed to dissolve and soften earwax.
Use Over-the-Counter Anti-Itch Ear Drops: These ear drops can offer alleviation in cases of itching.
Usually, these drops have components that calm inflamed skin and lessen inflammation.
Take Breaks: Give your ears a rest from wearing hearing aids if they are extremely scratchy or uncomfortable. You can give your ears a few hours to heal by taking the gadgets out.
Speak with Your Audiologist: See your audiologist if the itching doesn't go away. They can administer the necessary therapies and check for any underlying conditions, such as infections or a considerable buildup of earwax.
Problems in fitting dome hearing aidsThe ability of physicians to suit more ears more openly is one of the best things about contemporary hearing aids and technological breakthroughs.
Since most people who use hearing aids may not have an earmould fitted, this means that there will be more discreet installations. The good news is that there is no need to wait for an earmould to be created in a lab; hearing aids can be fitted right away.
Since the ear is not obstructed, most individuals report that the outcome is a more comfortable fit and more natural sound quality.
To accomplish what is known as a "open fitting," physicians employ domes on the end of behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids rather than molds.
On the other hand, a poorly fitting dome is among the most frequent reasons someone itches for an open fitting.
Even though domes are available in a variety of sizes to fit various ear canals, not everyone can wear them. In this case, the tubing or receiver length should be considered by the physician in addition to the dome size.
An excessively short tube or receiver may cause the dome to rise and apply pressure to the skin.
An excessively lengthy tubing or receiver may cause the hearing aid to raise up from the ear, causing it to itch anytime the head moves.
The sensation of a feather tickling inside the ear canal is akin to irritation caused by a dome that is too small moving about in the canal.
An too large dome may irritate because it gets unpleasant.
Choosing the appropriate dome size
Image 1 of Phonak Power Domes, 900 x 900The stability of the hearing aid in the ear and comfort should be balanced when choosing the right dome and tubing/receiver length, as both might have an impact on the other.
To discover the balance that suits you best, you might need to experiment with a few different dome sizes. After using the aids for a while and getting used to the novel sensation of something in their ears, it's also normal for new users to switch to a different sized dome.
Some brands of BTE hearing aids provide varying depths (the extent to which the device penetrates into the ear canal) in addition to varying lengths.
Selecting the appropriate length for the receiver 155263368355_s-l1600The receiver is the hearing aid's power source when using RIC devices. Because it is an electronic component, the portion of the receiver that is located in the ear canal is significantly larger than the narrow tube of a BTE hearing aid.
The power that best fits the hearing loss will be chosen by the clinician. Some hearing impairments, meanwhile, could lie in the middle of two differing receiver powers. The receiver gets smaller as it becomes less powerful, which can cause a significant difference in fit and reported comfort in the ear.
Therefore, if a patient with a hearing aid complains of itching and discomfort that doesn't go away, the doctor might choose to utilize a less powerful receiver, depending on the hearing loss
Itchy and personalized earmoulds
Itching may also be caused by fit problems with more occluding dome versions, earmoulds, or custom hearing aids.
Compared to a dome, earmoulds occlude the ear more, so moisture accumulation in the ear canal may be more likely to occur.
Moisture that gets caught between an earmould and the ear canal causes itching.
Furthermore, this extra moisture promotes the growth of germs and/or fungi, which can worsen the problem beyond just an itchy skin condition.
Finding a method to control wax is crucial if you are prone to excessive wax buildup since it can trap moisture in the ear and delay the drying process.
One common cause of itching ears when wearing hearing aids is ill-fitting earmoulds. In order to modify the earmould or perhaps take a new ear impression, the doctor will collaborate with you to identify the specific part of the ear canal that is causing the itching. imprint of your ear using a different method.
Let's now look into physiological problems.
Possible minor hypersensitivity responses
Those with delicate skin or those who have experienced a slight allergic reaction to the dome or earmould may experience itchy ears when wearing hearing aids.
Since medical-grade silicone is used to make domes, an allergic reaction to one is significantly less common than one to a custom earmould.
Earmoulds made of acrylic are more likely to cause allergic responses. This results from the acrylic material's monomers being cured during the earmould manufacturing process.
Thankfully, most allergic reactions can be prevented by using hypoallergenic materials like silicone.
Wax and ear oils could be to blame.
Apart from problems with fit, there are additional physiological aspects that might not be the direct cause of ear itching when wearing hearing aids, but they can surely make it worse.
One such instance is dry ears. Wax and oil are produced by the ear naturally; this is one way the ear keeps its health.
The ear canals might become dry and itchy as a result of overzealous ear cleaning that removes this protective layer. Moreover, some people may not naturally produce enough oil or wax in their ears, which causes dry ears.
If so, you can see dry skin flakes in the area around your ears. Psoriasis can cause itchy ears in addition to scaly, inflammatory skin areas inside and/or around the ear. If you wear hearing aids, the itching could get worse. Keep in mind that in these situations, cleaning the ear with items containing alcohol should be avoided as it will exacerbate the dryness and irritation.
Commercially available lotions like Otoease and Miracell can be used to soothe the skin; however, use caution if wearing custom aids or RICs to prevent damaging the electronics in your hearing aids. See your doctor or a dermatologist if the itching doesn't go away.
FAQs
1.How do you stop your ears from itching?
A moderate steroid ear drop can be used to alleviate itching that occurs on its own without any signs of trauma or illness. Applying a few drops into the ear will help lessen the irritation. Applying an ear drop containing 70% alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is an additional beneficial treatment.
2. Can I put vaseline on my hearing aid?
Simple methods for achieving a tighter fit include pushing the aid farther into the ear canal (if this is not uncomfortable), dabbing the dome or earmold with a little amount of Vaseline to form a seal (use sparingly), and, if you are currently using a closed dome, switching to an open one.
3. Is wearing a hearing aid uncomfortable?
So, how unpleasant are hearing aids? To put it plainly, some people initially find them to be a little uncomfortable. There's an adjustment phase, as with many things in life, so early comfort levels will change. But as you become used to your hearing aids, you will eventually become more at ease.
4. Is petroleum jelly good for itchy ears?
Petroleum jelly can be used to relieve and hydrate dry ears in extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold. While they might help soothe itching ears, recipes using vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol are typically not beneficial for dry ears. It is advisable to avoid cleaning with cotton swabs