If you made the decision to use hearing aids, you did so because you wanted to maximize your hearing capability. It’s not enough to just use hearing aids though, you must make sure they are properly cared for and protected from elements that may cause damage.
Earwax is one element that hearing aids are most frequently exposed to, and if left alone can cause problems with your device, including:
- Feedback in the hearing aid
- Reduced sound quality
- Poor fit
- Damage to the hearing aid
Unfortunately, if you use hearing aids, it can put you at risk for more earwax buildup.
How Hearing Aids Affect Earwax Buildup
Any foreign object in the ear can stimulate more earwax production. This makes hearing aid users more susceptible to earwax buildup. Hearing aids can also prevent the ear from cleaning itself naturally, which is the best method for ridding the ear of excess earwax. Combined, these two issues can cause problems for users of hearing aids. Some may be inclined to try and remove earwax themselves to deal with the problem.
A Word of Caution on Cotton Swabs
Do not use a cotton swab to clean out your ears. Doing this can push the earwax further into your ear, impacting it. Using a cotton swab also puts you at a greater risk of injury and can cause symptoms like earache, itchiness, difficulty hearing and fullness in the ear.
If you believe you are experiencing earwax buildup, the best thing to do is contact your health professional. They can examine your ears to see if you have impacted wax that needs to be removed. If you do, they may remove it in the office or prescribe earwax drops.
There are also OTC earwax removal kits you can find at most local pharmacies or grocery stores like Hobgood Pharmacy. Ask your doctor if they would recommend using one before purchasing.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean
One of the most essential aspects of care is daily cleaning. A few tips to keep in mind:
- Wipe your hearing aids off nightly with a soft, dry cloth or brush.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Change wax guards regularly.
- Turn your device off when not in use.
- Get regular hearing aid checkups with your hearing specialist.
For more questions about earwax removal or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call The Hearing Center of Lake Charles today.