Ear Wax & Hearing Aids - A Guide
Whether you are new to wearing hearing aids or a long-term wearer, keeping your ears healthy and your devices working properly is a top priority. Hearing aids are crucial for those with hearing problems, but did you know they can also affect your earwax?
In this guide, we will cover what hearing aids are, how they work, and how each type of hearing aid can affect your earwax. But, most importantly, we’ll cover how you can keep your ears healthy and your devices in great condition.
What are hearing aids & how do they work?
Hearing aids are electronic devices that amplify sound to improve the wearer's hearing ability. Hearing aids are worn in or behind the ear and consist of three main components: a microphone (to detect sounds), an amplifier (to increase the volume of the sounds detected), and a speaker (which delivers the amplified sound directly to the ear canal).
Modern hearing aids now include a range of additional features, such as; a digital signal processor (DSP), which filters background noise, enhances speech, adapts to different listening environments, and plays white noise (which can be a crucial aid when treating chronic tinnitus).
Hearing aids are used for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss - hearing loss that has occurred because of damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear.
Hearing aids cannot restore normal hearing but can improve the wearer’s hearing capability. The effectiveness of hearing aids in treating hearing loss is reliant on factors such as how severe their hearing loss is and how frequently they use their hearing aids.
How can hearing aids impact your earwax?
Hearing aids can affect the way your ears produce and manage earwax. Usually, earwax migrates out of the ear naturally, which aids in cleaning and protecting the ear canal. However, when hearing aids are in the ear, they can partially block the pathway and lead to wax accumulating within the ear canal.
A wax build-up whilst wearing hearing aids can cause discomfort and potentially lead to an ear infection when not properly managed. Additionally, the presence of a foreign object (the hearing aid or parts of it) in the ear can overstimulate the cerumen (earwax) glands and produce more wax than usual, as the body responds to the irritation of the foreign object.
Alongside problems within the ear, earwax can also affect how the hearing aids work - a build-up of wax around components of the hearing aid can lead to distorted hearing, muffled sounds, and potentially device malfunction.
Earwax is one of the most common causes of hearing aid failure or damage, with many users requiring professional earwax removal and frequent cleaning of the devices to keep their ears healthy and devices working correctly.
Different types of hearing aids & your ear wax
There are a variety of hearing aids available to suit the differing needs of the user; some offer additional features, some are more discreet, and some are better suited for those with hand mobility issues or conditions affecting dexterity.
But how do these devices impact our ears and earwax production? We’ve outlined below how these devices work, who they are best suited for, and how your earwax can be affected.
Behind the Ear (BTE)
Behind-the-ear hearing aids work using several main components (microphone, amplifier, speaker) contained in a case that sits behind the ear. BTE hearing aids deliver amplified sound into the ear canal via a tube or wire connected to an earmold or dome. Sound goes through the microphone to the amplifier, where the signal is boosted and processed; it is then sent by the speaker through the tubing into the ear canal via the earmold or dome.
Many modern BTE hearing aids offer many other features to the user: such as digital sound processing (DSP) which can enhance speech clarity and reduce background noise, directional microphones to improve focus on sounds in front of the user, Bluetooth connectivity to allow streaming from phones, TV’s and other devices directly to the hearing aid, and Telecoil which picks up signals from compatible sound systems in public spaces (music concerts, conferences, universities etc) providing clearer sound.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are most suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss, children (as they are durable and easily adjusted), and those who would benefit from easy-to-handle and larger devices.
Hearing aids are the least affected by Earwax as the main components are situated outside the ear. However, the earmold/dome sits inside the ear and can cause a slight buildup of wax or become less effective if earwax collects around the earmold/dome.
Receiver-In-Canal (RITE/RIC)
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids place the speaker directly inside the ear canal, which connects via a thin wire to the main device (which is behind the ear). These devices offer the same additional features as BTE hearing aids.
RIC hearing aids are suitable for those with mild to severe hearing loss and for those who want a less visible hearing aid.
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are much more prone to earwax-related issues than BTE hearing aids due to the receiver sitting directly in the user’s ear canal. Earwax production can increase as the receiver partially blocks the ear's natural self-cleaning process - the obstruction can stimulate the ear to produce more wax, preventing it from migrating outside of the ear and building up around the receiver. An increase in wax can interfere with the functionality of the receiver, as the speaker can become blocked, leading to damage, feedback, and reduced sound quality.
In the Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are moulded to fit entirely within the outer portion of the user’s ear, with all of the components housed compactly in a single case.
ITE hearing aids are best for those with mild to severe hearing loss and for those looking for a more discreet device. However, they are not a good choice for those who have limited hand mobility, due to their small size and precise way in which they must be inserted.
In the Ear hearing aids sit deep within the ear canal, which can significantly interfere with the ear’s natural cleaning process due to a partial blockage. Additionally, the presence of ITE hearing aids within the ear can lead to overproduction and create blockages and wax build-up around the device.
In the Canal (ITC)
In the ear, hearing aids are moulded to sit partly in the ear canal.
They are often used for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and are best suited for those looking for a more discreet model with additional features such as Bluetooth or directional microphones. As ITC devices are smaller, they can be problematic for people with limited hand mobility or conditions that affect dexterity (such as arthritis).
ITC hearing aids sit deep in the ear canal, and as such, can affect earwax’s natural migration out of the ear, resulting in blockage.
Completely in the canal (CIC) & invisible in the canal (IIC)
CIC and IIC hearing aids are small devices which are fitted deep inside the ear canal. IIC hearing aids sit more deeply, which makes them almost completely invisible. Both these types of hearing aids use digital signal processing to capture sound through small microphones, convert it into digital signals, and amplify the signals to meet the user’s individual hearing needs before playing them through the speaker.
These hearing aids are typically used for those suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss. They are also perfect for those who want a discreet device, as they have minimal visibility. These devices aren’t suitable for those with conditions affecting dexterity due to the size of the device.
CIC and ITC devices pose significant problems regarding overproduction of earwax, impacted earwax, and the devices becoming clogged with wax. Due to how deeply the devices are placed within the ear, and the constant presence of a foreign object within it may stimulate the ear to overproduce wax as it attempts to clean the object out of the ear. Additional earwax in the ear can become impacted, causing blockages, and can clog the device’s speaker with wax, causing damage and reduced functionality.
Contralateral routing of signal (CROS)
CROS hearing aids are designed for people with severe hearing problems, either in one ear, or severe hearing loss in one ear and some hearing loss in the other (BiCROS). A microphone is worn on the ear with the most hearing loss and wirelessly transmits sound to a receiver in the ear with greater hearing ability. If both ears are affected, BiCROS adds amplification to the ear with better hearing capabilities. These devices use digital signal processing to assist the user in detecting speech and environmental noise from around them.
CROS is best for those with single-sided deafness. Whereas BiCROS is best used when sufferers have single-sided deafness and some hearing in their other ear.
Generally, CROS and BiCROS tend to use devices that are behind the ear or receiver in the canal. As the ear canal can be partially blocked when using receiver in canal hearing aids, this can cause the overproduction of earwax or affect the natural migration of earwax out of the ear.
Body Worn
Body worn hearing aids consist of a box which is clipped to clothing, inside is a microphone, amplifier, and the controls. Sound is transmitted from the box, down a wire, to an earphone placed just inside the ear canal or outside of the ear.
Body worn hearing aids are typically used for those with moderate hearing loss. These devices are best suited to those who would benefit from larger controls.
Typically, body worn hearing aids do not create any earwax related issues, as the majority of the hearing aid is outside of the ear. If the user is using earphones with their body-worn hearing aids, this could impact the ears natural cleaning process, but it is unlikely to stimulate the ear to create more earwax and cause blockages.
What's the best way to reduce & clean ear wax with hearing aids?
Hearing aid devices, which sit inside the ear, can negatively affect the ear's ability to clean itself - blocking wax migration out of the ear. Additionally, it can trigger the ear to overproduce earwax, causing blockages and a build-up that damages the hearing aid or affects its functionality. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective ways to manage earwax and keep your hearing aids working perfectly.
Microsuction
Microsuction is an earwax removal technique performed by a specialist. It uses a gentle suction to extract wax without the use of water. It is a quick, safe, and effective method for removing excess earwax, especially for hearing aid users experiencing frequent blockages.
Microsuction has many benefits for hearing aid users, such as the removal of wax without moisture, reducing risk to any electronics used in the ear, immediate improvement in sound clarity after treatment, and no need for any pre-treatment (i.e, softening drops in the ear).
For those local to Suffolk, we offer Microsuction at a variety of locations around the county and home visits. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you are experiencing any issues related to earwax build-up.
The combination of Microsuction and effectively cleaning your hearing aids could vastly improve your hearing.
Keeping hearing aids clean using the correct cleaning methods
It is advised to clean your hearing aids frequently, using soft brushes, wax picks, and microfibre cloths to remove debris and prevent wax from clogging speakers. Cleaning kits are available specifically for hearing aids, containing a brush, wax loop, and drying box - ensure your hearing aids are completely dry before reinstalling them to avoid ear infections.
There are many benefits to cleaning your devices regularly, such as extending device lifespan, improving functionality, preventing feedback, muffled sounds, damage, and reducing the risk of infection.
Take breaks from wearing your hearing aids
Whilst consistent daily use is important for your brain and ears to acclimatise to the use of hearing aids, taking short breaks is beneficial for your ears' general health. Removing your hearing aids during sleep, or while in loud environments, can reduce wax stimulation, prevent moisture build-up, and reduce any skin irritation in the ear.
Use Wax Guards
Wax guards are tiny filters that block wax from entering the receiver and reduce the likelihood of damage from wax. However, it is important to replace and clean these regularly to maintain sound quality and reduce the risk of infection.
Keep your ears dry
Keeping your ears dry can help prevent wax build-up. Make sure you dry your ears thoroughly after bathing or swimming. Moisture in the ear softens wax and can encourage a build-up around your device.
Now we’ve covered how hearing aids work, how they affect your ear wax and the best ways to keep our ears healthy, hopefully you’re equipped with the best ways for keeping your hearing aids in tip-top shape.
However, if you are experiencing any issues with your earwax, or any problems with muffled sound on your hearing aids, get in touch with us about Microsuction today!
Microsuction is a painless and safe way to remove any excess earwax from your ear canal, giving instant relief to feelings of blockage, and can greatly improve the effectiveness of your hearing aids.
Ear View offers Microsuction in the comfort of your own home or at one of our clinics located around Suffolk.
