Hearing aids can provide a plethora of incredible benefits for those with hearing loss challenges, from optimizing their hearing to improving their memory.
They’re not perfect, however; without proper cleaning, hearing aids can lead to an increased risk of ear infections. Of course, this is easily avoided with regular hearing aid maintenance, whether it be a quick clean at home or a professional clean and check.
Ear infections and hearing aids do not go hand in hand. By giving the latter the proper maintenance and care, you can avoid the former with considerable ease.
Types of Ear Infections
There are three main types of ear infection. The type you have depends on where in your ear the infection resides.
Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection)
More commonly known as “swimmer’s ear,” an outer ear infection affects the outer ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum.
These ear infections are typically caused by bacteria or fungi growing in the ear canal when moisture gets trapped in the ear, like water from the pool or shower, or sweat trapped behind your hearing aid.
By keeping your ears clean and dry, you can avoid most outer ear infections.
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
The air-filled space behind the eardrum containing the tiny bones (the hammer, anvil, and stirrup) responsible for transmitting sound is where middle ear infections can occur.
Typically caused by complications from colds, sore throats, or respiratory infections, middle ear infections come from bacteria or viruses in the middle ear that block the Eustachian tubes, trapping fluid.
Some middle ear infections need to be treated with antibiotics, while others can be relieved by at-home medicine, warm compresses, and keeping yourself safe from other infections.
Otitis Interna (Inner Ear Infection or Labyrinthitis)
Inner ear infections can lead to conflicts with your balance and hearing. Caused by viral infections like colds or the flu, this kind of ear infection can lead to hearing loss, nausea, balance issues, and dizziness due to the inflammation of the labyrinth, which is a part of the middle ear.
Medicine like antibiotics or antihistamines to address symptoms can help with inner ear infections, especially for those with dizziness or nausea.
How to Avoid Ear Infections When Wearing Hearing Aids
Hearing aids, when improperly cleaned, can occasionally cause ear infections in the outer ear, but this is very easily avoidable with proper hearing aid care and cleaning.
Even a gentle wipe down with a microfiber cloth or towel to clean your devices’ shells, or swapping the wax guard for a clean one when you notice struggles hearing through your hearing aids, can make a lot of difference.
If you’d like to get your hearing aids professionally cleaned and checked out for damage, we’re here to help! We can also refer you to a specialist to address any ear infection that you might be dealing with.
Simply request a callback to get started or give us a call at (936) 632-2252.
