In This Article
If you wear hearing aids and notice they're not working as well as they used to, earwax might be the culprit. It's frustrating, isn't it? You invest in these devices to hear better, and then something as simple as earwax gets in the way. But here's the thing—this is incredibly common, and understanding why it happens can help you prevent it.
At Earwax Removal Devon, we see patients every week who come in worried their hearing aids are broken, only to discover that a buildup of cerumen (the medical term for earwax) is blocking either the device itself or their ear canal. The good news? This is fixable, and we're here to walk you through everything you need to know.
What is Cerumen and Why Does It Build Up in Hearing Aid Users?
Cerumen is your body's natural way of protecting your ears. It traps dust, bacteria, and other particles before they reach your eardrum. Normally, earwax migrates naturally out of the ear canal as you talk, chew, and move your jaw. But when you wear hearing aids, that natural process gets disrupted.
Think about it this way: a hearing aid sits in your ear canal like a cork in a bottle. It blocks the normal outward movement of wax, causing it to accumulate deeper in the canal. Studies show that hearing aid users are significantly more likely to develop cerumen impaction than non-users. One study found that up to 60% of hearing aid wearers experience wax-related issues at some point.
But it's not just about the wax in your ear. Earwax can also clog the hearing aid itself—specifically the microphone ports, receivers, and tubing. When this happens, sound quality drops, feedback increases, and you might even hear whistling or crackling noises.
How Cerumen Affects Hearing Aid Performance
Let's break down exactly how earwax sabotages your hearing aids. There are two main ways this happens:
Blockage of the Hearing Aid Components
Hearing aids have tiny openings—microphone ports, sound outlets, and vents—that are easily blocked by earwax. When wax gets into these openings, sound can't travel properly. You might notice:
- Reduced volume or muffled sound
- Intermittent cutting in and out
- Increased feedback (that annoying whistling sound)
- Complete loss of sound in severe cases
Modern hearing aids are sophisticated pieces of technology, but they're also delicate. Even a small amount of wax in the wrong place can cause significant problems. And because these devices sit in your ear all day, they're constantly exposed to cerumen.
Blockage of the Ear Canal
Even if your hearing aid is clean, earwax buildup in your ear canal will reduce how much sound reaches your eardrum. You're essentially creating a physical barrier between the hearing aid and your inner ear. Patients often describe this as feeling like their ear is "full" or "plugged." You might also experience:
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments
- A sensation of pressure or fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds)
- Dizziness or balance issues in severe cases
Here's what I find interesting: many people assume their hearing has worsened or their hearing aids need adjusting, when really it's just wax. A quick professional cleaning can make a world of difference.
Why Hearing Aid Users Are at Higher Risk
If you wear hearing aids, you're in a higher-risk category for cerumen impaction. Here's why:
Physical Obstruction
Hearing aids physically block the ear canal, preventing wax from naturally migrating out. This is especially true for in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) devices, which sit deeper in the ear than behind-the-ear (BTE) models.
Increased Wax Production
Some research suggests that the presence of a foreign object in the ear canal—like a hearing aid—can actually stimulate increased wax production. Your body might be trying to "protect" itself from what it perceives as an irritant.
Pushing Wax Deeper
When you insert and remove your hearing aids daily, you can inadvertently push wax deeper into the canal. It's a bit like using a cotton bud (which, by the way, you should never do)—you're compacting the wax rather than removing it.
Age-Related Changes
Many hearing aid users are older adults, and earwax tends to become drier and harder with age. This makes it more likely to cause blockages.
Signs Your Hearing Aids Are Affected by Earwax
How do you know if earwax is the problem? Look out for these warning signs:
Performance Issues
- Sudden decrease in sound quality or volume
- Feedback or whistling that wasn't there before
- Distorted or unclear sound
- Your hearing aid stops working entirely
Physical Signs
- Visible wax on the hearing aid or earmould
- Wax visible in the ear canal opening
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in your ear
- Discomfort or itching
Behavioural Changes
- You find yourself turning up the volume more than usual
- You're struggling to follow conversations you could hear before
- You're asking people to repeat themselves more often
If you notice any of these signs, don't panic. It doesn't mean your hearing aids are damaged—it likely just means they need cleaning, or your ears need professional attention.
How to Prevent Cerumen Buildup with Hearing Aids
Prevention is always better than cure. Here's how you can reduce the risk of wax-related problems:
Daily Hearing Aid Maintenance
Clean your hearing aids every day. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any visible wax. Most hearing aids come with a cleaning brush or wax pick—use these tools to gently remove wax from the sound outlet and microphone ports. Never use water, alcohol, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the electronics.
Regular Professional Cleanings
Even with daily maintenance, professional cleaning is important. We recommend having your hearing aids professionally cleaned every 3-6 months. Your audiologist or hearing care provider can deep-clean the internal components and check for any damage.
Ear Canal Care
Don't try to remove earwax yourself with cotton buds, ear candles, or other home remedies. These methods can push wax deeper or even damage your ear canal. Instead, schedule regular ear checks with a qualified professional. At Earwax Removal Devon, we use safe, gentle methods like microsuction to remove wax without harming your ears or hearing aids.
Proper Hearing Aid Fit
Make sure your hearing aids fit correctly. If they're too tight or too loose, they can cause irritation and increase wax production. Your audiologist can adjust the fit or provide custom moulds if needed.
Consider Wax Guards
Many modern hearing aids come with wax guards or filters that protect the internal components from earwax. These need to be replaced regularly—usually every 1-3 months. Ask your hearing care provider to show you how to change them.
Professional Earwax Removal for Hearing Aid Users
When prevention isn't enough, professional removal is the safest and most effective solution. At Earwax Removal Devon, we specialize in caring for hearing aid users. Here's what we offer:
Microsuction
This is the gold standard for earwax removal, especially for hearing aid users. We use a gentle suction device under direct vision to remove wax without introducing water into the ear canal. It's quick, safe, and comfortable. Most importantly, it won't damage your hearing aids or ear canal.
Ear Irrigation
For some patients, water irrigation may be more suitable. We use controlled, body-temperature water to flush out wax. This method is effective for softer wax and is generally well-tolerated.
Hearing Aid-Friendly Approach
We understand the unique needs of hearing aid users. We'll check both your ears and your devices, advise you on proper maintenance, and work with your audiologist if needed. We can also coordinate with your hearing care provider to ensure your devices are functioning optimally after wax removal.
Same-Day Appointments
We know how frustrating it is to struggle with blocked ears or malfunctioning hearing aids. That's why we offer same-day appointments whenever possible. You don't have to wait weeks to hear clearly again.
When to Seek Professional Help
Don't wait until your hearing aids stop working completely. Seek professional help if:
- You notice a sudden change in hearing aid performance
- You can see or feel wax buildup in your ear
- You experience pain, discharge, or bleeding from your ear
- Your ear feels blocked or full
- You have persistent tinnitus or dizziness
These symptoms might indicate cerumen impaction, but they could also signal other ear conditions that need attention. A professional examination will give you peace of mind and the right treatment.
The Connection Between Ear Health and Hearing Aid Success
Here's something that isn't talked about enough: the success of your hearing aids depends on the health of your ears. You can have the most advanced, expensive hearing aids on the market, but if your ear canals are blocked with wax, they won't work properly.
Regular ear care should be part of your hearing health routine, just like cleaning your hearing aids and attending audiology appointments. Think of it as preventive maintenance—a small investment of time that pays off in better hearing and longer-lasting devices.
At Earwax Removal Devon, we're passionate about helping hearing aid users get the most out of their devices. We've seen countless patients who were on the verge of giving up on their hearing aids, only to find that a simple wax removal restored their hearing and their confidence.
Your Next Steps
If you're a hearing aid user experiencing any of the issues we've discussed, don't suffer in silence. Book an appointment with us for a professional ear examination and wax removal. We'll assess your ears, clean them safely, and give you personalized advice on preventing future buildup.
Your hearing aids are an investment in your quality of life. Don't let earwax sabotage that investment. With the right care and professional support, you can hear clearly and comfortably every day.
Ready to hear clearly again? Contact Earwax Removal Devon today to schedule your appointment. We offer same-day bookings, home visits, and specialist care for hearing aid users across North Devon.
