A question we get asked frequently is, “Can hearing aids lead to ear infections?”
The answer is that no, hearing aids do not directly lead to ear infections, but if you do not take proper care of your devices’ cleanliness, bacteria can thrive and lead to ear infections down the line.
Like any technology, hearing aids need a good cleaning to ensure they’re performing at their best for your unique needs. By keeping your ears and hearing aids clean of excess earwax, water, sweat, and other irritants, you can avoid ear infections pretty easily.
Three Types of Ear Infections
Depending on where in your ear the infection resides, there are different treatment options and symptoms for your ear infection.
Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, affects the outer ear canal. These often occur after swimming or when moisture gets trapped in the ear, which creates an environment conducive to bacteria or fungi.
Outer ear infections are the type of ear infection that hearing aids can be associated with; sweat, earwax, or water can get trapped behind the hearing aid in your ear and lead to bacterial growth and infection.
Outer ear infections can be quickly avoided with efficient cleaning routines for your ears and hearing aids. Give your hearing aids a wipe down with a dry cloth to remove excess water or wax, and you’ll keep your ears clean and clear.
Otitis media, or middle ear infections, affect the air-filled space behind the eardrum where the hammer, anvil, and stirrup reside, which are the tiny bones that transmit sound to the brain.
Middle ear infections are often side effects of colds, sore throats, and other respiratory infections. When the Eustachian tube gets blocked, trapped fluid can lead to an environment where bacteria or viruses can thrive.
Treating your middle ear infection typically starts with addressing the root cause: the infection itself. With antibiotics to address your cold or respiratory infection, you’ll often treat the ear infection simultaneously.
Otitis interna, also known as an inner ear infection or labyrinthitis, affects the labyrinth in the inner ear which is responsible for balance and hearing.
Similar to middle ear infections, inner ear infections are also caused indirectly by viral infections like colds and the flu. When the labyrinth in the inner ear becomes inflamed, you might be dealing with dizziness and hearing loss on top of your cold or flu symptoms.
Antibiotics to treat the viral infection can treat the inner ear infection at the same time; if you’re dealing with dizziness and balance issues, antihistamines and medicine can often assist in getting you steady on your feet.
Ear Cleanings and Hearing Aid Maintenance with Clarity Hearing
If you’re concerned that your ears need cleaning or that your hearing aids could do with some TLC, you’re in the right place. Our professional earwax removal services will ensure that your ears are safe from excess earwax that could lead to infection or muffled hearing.
We can also check out your hearing aids to ensure they’re performing at their best for your needs, and repair any issues you’re concerned about.
To get in touch with our team, we encourage you to request a callback, and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can to help with your hearing health concerns.
Don’t want to wait? Find your closest clinic and give us a call for a more immediate chat.
