A surprisingly common question we get during appointments is whether hearing aids can cause ear infections with repeated wear.
The short answer? No. The long answer? Improper care of your hearing aids is what can lead to an increased risk of ear infections.
As you wear your hearing aids, sweat, water, and earwax can build up on the part of your device that sits in your ear. Without cleaning your hearing aids frequently, excess wax and dirt can irritate your ears, which could lead to further complications down the line.
Proper hearing aid care can eradicate that specific risk of infection entirely.
Types of Ear Infections
There are three areas of your ear that can get infected, and all three types of infection are caused in different ways.
Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection)
Also known as “swimmer’s ear,” outer ear infections affect the tube between the outer ear and your ear drum.
These are typically caused by trapped moisture in the ear, which can lead to bacteria or fungi growing in your ear canal.
Hearing aids are typically associated with outer ear infections, due to the aids’ placement in your ear; by removing, cleaning, and checking your hearing aids, and keeping your ears clean of dirt or excess moisture, you can avoid outer ear infections efficiently.
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
Otitis media is an infection of the air-filled space behind your eardrum that contains the hammer, anvil, and stirrup, the tiny bones that transmit sound to your brain.
Often caused by complications from colds, sore throats, or other respiratory infections, middle ear infections occur when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked, trapping fluid and allowing bacteria and viruses to thrive.
Typically, addressing the infection or virus itself will help cure the ear infection. Antibiotics to address the respiratory infection can help alleviate symptoms of otitis media, too.
Otitis Interna (Inner Ear Infection or Labyrinthitis)
This infection affects a part of the inner ear called the labyrinth, which is responsible for balance and hearing.
Similar to otitis media, otitis interna is often caused by viral infections like the common cold or the flu. This type of ear infection can lead to hearing loss challenges and dizziness due to inflammation of the labyrinth.
By addressing the viral infection, you can also address the ear infection. Antihistamines might also be recommended for dizziness or imbalance challenges.
Give Your Hearing Aids Some TLC!
Improper care and maintenance of your hearing aids can lead to ear infections, but hearing aids and ear infections don’t go hand in hand. With correct care and by keeping your devices clean, your risk of ear infection due to your hearing aids is basically zero.
If you aren’t sure how to properly clean your hearing devices, we’d be happy to show you the best ways to keep your hearing aids in working order.
If your devices aren’t performing as needed, bring them to us for a quick repair checkup; we can take a look “under the hood” and help you address the issue with professional tools and guidance.
For more information or to chat with a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by giving us a call at (337) 436-3277.
