3 Tips to Prevent Itchy Ears When Wearing Hearing Aids
Posted on: 25 November 2019
Are your ears feeling itchy after wearing hearing aids? If so, don't fret! Itching is a common problem that most new hearing aid users experience. Over time, itching that results from the discomfort of having foreign appliances in the ear subsides, and you even forget you have the aids on. However, if the problem is persistent, here are a few measures you can take to manage it.
Invest in the Right Hearing Aids
One common cause of itchy ears in hearing aid users is poorly fitting devices. If your hearing aids aren't customised, there's a chance that they have ill-fitting earmolds or earbuds. If the earmold is too tight, it could prevent the ear from breathing. The warm air in the ear leads to high moisture levels which can cause itchiness.
Similarly, if the buds are incorrectly sized, they may tickle the hairs in your ears, giving you an itchy sensation. You can only get relief by getting hearing aids with properly sized earmolds and earbuds. Consider visiting a hearing aid specialist who can create custom devices as compared to buying ready-made ones off the market.
Keep Your Ears and Hearing Aids Dry
Moisture buildup in your ears and hearing aids is bad for your ear health. Excess moisture, especially from sweat, can encourage bacteria growth in your ears. If you don't remove the devices to clean them, the bacteria can cause ear infections whose symptoms include pain and itchiness. Regularly remove your hearing aids, clean and dry them. Clean and dry your ears as well to prevent bacterial growth.
When engaging in sports on any activities that cause you to sweat, ensure you clean your ears and hearing aids afterwards. Invest in a special dryer for hearing aids or use a hairdryer, fan or dehumidifier. Remember that hearing aids aren't waterproof, and exposing them to too much moisture can shorten their lifespan.
Get Your Ears Checked
If you feel itchy even after keeping your ears and hearing aids dry, you need to get checked. Various problems could cause itchiness when using the devices. First, your skin may be allergic to the materials used to make the hearing aid. Also, you may have skin conditions such as eczema which can cause the ears to flare up.
Get checked by an ENT specialist. If you have an underlying condition, they will provide treatment to manage it and resolve the itchiness. If you have an allergic reaction, they will recommend the best hearing aid material to ensure maximum comfort.
Using hearing aids doesn't have to be an uncomfortable experience. Talk to a specialist if you're suffering itchiness, pain or any other form of discomfort when wearing the devices. You can also speak with a micro BTE hearing aid provider to see what other options they have available.
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