When asking about ears, every audiologist has heard this: “My ears don’t hurt, but they itch a lot!” Whether or not a person uses hearing aids, itching in the ears is very common.
But why?
A lot of things can cause itching all over the body, and the ear is no different. I’ve briefly listed some common causes and solutions, but saved an in-depth look for conditions related to hearing aid issues.
3 Common Causes of Itchy Ears
Itchy ears, while annoying, are often not a sign of more serious problems. Here are the three most common reasons we see patients with itchy ears.
Dry Skin
Itchy, dry skin in the ear canal can be caused by your environment. This includes cold, dry air in the winter and over-air-conditioned air in the summer.
It can also be caused by over-cleaning (especially with cotton swabs, which can absorb natural oils too quickly) and by natural aging.
Solution: Moisturize
A drop or two of an oil like Miracell® in each ear at night will absorb while you sleep and often provides fast relief, but take care to never place oil in an ear that has a history of holes in the eardrum.
Lotion on a little finger or a cotton swab can also be placed in the ear canal.
Often, a humidifier can help with dry skin.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as allergies, outer ear infections like “swimmer’s ear,” and eczema or psoriasis can cause or worsen itching in the ear canal.
Surprisingly, high levels of stress or anxiety can be felt as itching and discomfort all over, including inside the ears.
Solution: Seek Medical Treatment
Ear, nose, and throat physicians can determine whether allergies or ear infections are the issue; physicians specializing in the ears, nose, and throat (“ENTs” or “otolaryngologists”) can prescribe appropriate treatments.
Dermatologists, skin-specialized doctors, can help with diagnoses such as eczema and psoriasis, for which many treatments are available.
If you think stress might be the problem, talk it out with a licensed counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
You may relieve yourself of more than just an itch.
Hearing Aid Issues
Although hearing devices don’t usually cause allergic reactions, there are other ways they might contribute to itching.
If there is a build-up of earwax, a hearing aid can make it worse, causing itching or irritation until the ear is cleaned.
If a hearing aid sits too loosely inside the ear, it can “tickle” the ear canal and cause itching.
If a hearing aid has a very tight fit in the ear and is worn for a very long time each day, moisture can accumulate behind the hearing aid, causing a damp, itchy feeling (kind of like when you sweat in the summertime).
While the hearing aids themselves are usually hypoallergenic, clients rarely experience allergic reactions to cleaning solutions, whether in our clinic or to over-the-counter versions used at home.
Solution: See Your Hearing Care Provider
The hearing care providers at HHC can work with you to assess the fit of your hearing devices (loose/tight) and recommend next steps and other changes or treatments.
We can also look deeply into your ears, a process called “otoscopy,” to see whether dry skin, earwax, or an allergic reaction is the problem.
When in doubt, contact your audiologist.
How to Scratch Your Itchy Ears
There’s nothing else like scratching an itch, but we have some recommendations for how to go about it to avoid causing more problems.
Here are some techniques:
The Push and Wiggle
Placing a finger on the space in front of the ear and “wiggling” can help ease itching with or without a hearing aid in place. This is using the flat of your finger, not your fingernail!
Re- adjust your hearing device
If possible, remove and re-place your hearing aid, or pull the earbud in and out, to apply some pressure inside the ear and scratch that itch.
“Referred” itching
This one is a bit weird…Often used by people with missing limbs, “referred” itching is when you scratch an itch without actually scratching it.
Instead of trying to reach deep inside your ear canal, gently scratching another part of your body (like the back of your hand) while thinking about your itchy ear (“referring” the itch to the ear) can provide surprising relief.
I’ve used this myself when I get an itch on the bottom of my foot in the car. Sometimes it works.
Could Itchy Ears Be Something Serious?
Most ear itching is minor and easily managed, but there are situations where it warrants prompt professional attention.
Contact your audiologist or physician if you experience:
- Persistent itching that doesn’t respond to home remedies after a week or two
- Pain or pressure inside the ear, alongside the itching
- Discharge or fluid coming from the ear canal
- Muffled or changing hearing that coincides with when itching began
- Visible redness or swelling around or inside the ear
- Itching after a recent illness, including some viral infections, like shingles, can affect the ear canal and require prompt medical treatment
These symptoms don’t always mean something serious is wrong, but they’re worth a professional look.
Catching an infection, skin condition, or wax impaction early is almost always easier than waiting it out.
Never Stick Something in Your Ear
It’s always important to remember, don’t place foreign objects like Q-tips, bobby pins, long fingernails, pens or pencils, paperclips, or golf tees (yes, we’ve been told someone used a golf tee!) in your ears for itching or wax removal.
These objects can push earwax toward the eardrum or cut the skin inside the ear, causing bleeding.
When that cut begins to scab over and heal…it will itch even worse!
Itchy Ears? Dealing with Hearing Loss? Book an Appointment at Hearing Health Center Today!
If itching is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by pain, discharge, or muffled hearing, don’t wait it out.
The team at Hearing Health Center is here to help identify the source and get you comfortable again.
Schedule an appointment at any of our five convenient Chicagoland locations.
Your hearing health matters, and the choices you make about hearing aids affect not only your day-to-day living but also your long-term cognitive health.
As hearing technology improves, so do the buzzwords. Recently, there’s been a lot of noise about AI in hearing aids, and it’s important to understand what it means, how it affects your hearing aids, and why you may (or may not) need it.
Despite AI hearing aids being around for a few years, we wanted to help you separate fact from fiction so you and your audiologist can make the most informed decision possible.
How Does AI Work in Hearing Aids?
At this point, it’s impossible to avoid AI in nearly every aspect of our lives. From live chats with our phones to customized shopping lists at the grocery store, if there’s a way to include artificial intelligence in a product, you’re going to see it.
But did you know that hearing aids have been advertising AI for years?
For hearing aids, AI should be broken into two categories: machine learning and deep neural networks.
About two decades ago, the first hearing aids with AI were introduced to the public. For years, your hearing aids have identified audio patterns in restaurants, conversations, and music to build an internal memory system. Then, when the wearer’s environment matches the learned memory system, your hearing aids automatically apply the right settings for the situation.
In 2021, the first hearing aid with embedded deep neural networks hit the market. DNN’s are trained on massive datasets of real-world sounds to mimic the human brain, eventually separating sound from speech to provide a clearer hearing experience.
We are at the point where these hearing aids are being trained on tens of millions of sound samples and spoken sentences, creating a better-than-ever sound experience.
At this point, hearing aids with AI intelligently separate what you want to hear versus what you don’t. The AI continuously analyzes your environment to adapt in real time to patients’ needs.
A March 2024 study found that DNN-powered noise reduction outperformed traditional noise reduction techniques, and a 2025 follow-up field research study found that DNN improved interference control. For patients with cognitive load and mental fatigue that lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s, DNN-powered hearing aids are a welcome relief.
Some AI-powered hearing aids also allow audiologists to make remote adjustments to your devices based on patient feedback or data collected on the device. If you’re travelling or live far away from your audiologist, this ensures you get the essential fine-tuning you need for the best experience with hearing aids.
That being said, not all AI hearing aids are the same. Only a few products on the market offer real-time AI processing, which means it’s even more important to work with your audiologist to identify the best hearing aids for your situation.
4 Common Myths About AI in Hearing Aids
With “AI-powered” marketing language all around us, it’s harder than ever to understand what’s real and what’s fake when it comes to your hearing aids. Here are some of the most commonly believed myths and what the evidence actually proves.
Myth: All AI hearing aids think and adapt in real-time while you wear them.
The reality is that most hearing aids use AI during the development and training phase (i.e., before you purchase them), not while you wear them. There are a few products that offer real-time AI processing, but for the majority of hearing aids on the market, all of the AI tools are developed before your purchase.
But that isn’t a bad thing, as the AI algorithms are genuinely effective in providing an excellent hearing aid experience.
Myth: AI hearing aids automatically fix my hearing without the need for an audiologist.
The diagnostic experience and fine-tuning that comes from working with an experienced audiologist is the difference between a good and a bad experience with your hearing aids.
Audiologists ensure everything fits correctly and that the hearing aid is programmed correctly for your specific hearing loss.
Myth: More AI features mean better hearing.
Studies and tests show that while AI features work well, they aren’t universally better in every situation. Those with quieter daily routines probably don’t need adaptive technologies, unlike folks working in more chaotic sound environments.
As with any hearing aid, work with a trusted audiologist to ensure you get the right hearing aid for your sound environment.
Myth (mostly: AI hearing aids are always listening to my private conversations.
AI-powered devices use strict security measures to protect your personal information, with many newer hearing aids processing data on the chips themselves rather than sending audio to the cloud.
But one study revealed that hearing aids were broadcasting patients’ names over Bluetooth without users’ ability to change them. There are also some inconsistencies in how data is governed. Our recommendation is to ask your audiologist about how your data is stored, processed, and shared.
Do You Need AI In Your Hearing Aids?
When surrounded by AI marketing, the question becomes, “Do you need AI for your hearing aids too?”
The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as yes or no; the truth lies in what environments you spend your time and what sort of hearing problems you have.
Almost all research universally agrees that AI in hearing aids helps with noise reduction, specifically in situations where you need to understand what someone is saying over competing background sounds.
A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology evaluated DNN-based processing across seven real-world acoustic environments, including bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and construction sites, finding measurable improvements in both speech recognition and listener preference when AI-based noise reduction was active.
If these hearing aids reduce cognitive load, there’s a good chance they will positively affect brain health outcomes. When a hearing aid reduces the strain of processing sound in noise, it potentially frees up cognitive resources.
Modern AI-powered hearing aids provide an effortless listening experience, reducing the strain often associated with hearing in complex environments. For anyone at risk, these new AI-powered hearing aids can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
For people dealing with mild hearing loss or who spend most of their time in quiet environments, the most advanced AI isn’t as important. A well-fitted and adjusted hearing aid will deliver just as good outcomes.
Fit and Adjustments Are The Most Important Factors
More than any new technology, the most important factor in your hearing aid experience comes from the tuning, fitting, and adjustments your audiologist makes.
At Hearing Health Center, our audiologists have decades of experience working with patients of all ages, helping them get the most out of their hearing aids. When your hearing aids fit correctly and volumes are just right, you’re much more likely to continue wearing your hearing aids.
That’s why we always recommend coming to any of our five locations for fittings, adjustments, and to get any questions you might have about your hearing aids answered.
Having Trouble Hearing? Schedule Your Appointment at Hearing Health Center Today.
Having trouble hearing during conversations? Feel like social gatherings are getting harder and harder? Book your appointment online with Hearing Health Center for a free comprehensive hearing exam. An audiologist on staff performs a full exam and provides you with the information you need to get your hearing back on track.
Have you ever experienced a mysterious crackling sound haunting your ear, seemingly attacking you out of the blue?
If so, you may be wondering about this irritating sound and if you should be concerned about it.
This blog will unveil the secrets behind this peculiar yet annoying sound.
Let’s dive into the captivating journey of crackling sounds in the ear, understanding what they are, the early signs, and the treatments to explore.
What Is Crackling In The Ear?
Crackling in the ear symbolizes a peculiar sound similar to the crinkling of paper or the rustling of leaves. It can be annoying and even unnerving if it happens frequently enough.
We often refer to it as a clicking, popping sound in the ear or a persistent snapping noise. These noises make it difficult to focus on the work or their surroundings.
Causes include:
- Eustachian tube movement
- air pressure fluctuation
- excessive earwax
- muscle contractions
While harmless, ear crackling can be bothersome and may indicate an underlying issue that warrants further investigation.
Struggling with popping in your ear? Schedule your free consultation with Hearing Health Center today.
The Three Biggest Causes of Crackling in Ear
Sometimes the crackling in your ear is coming from an area near the ear, or a more specific medical condition. If the crackling conditions continue, consider one of the following:
TMJ Disorders
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits right next to your ear canal.
If your jaw is misaligned or you’re dealing with teeth grinding, the clicking you hear is actually your jaw joint popping.
Middle Ear Myoclonus (MEM)
Think of this as a “twitchy eye” but inside your ear.
Tiny muscles (the stapedius or tensor tympani) can sometimes spasm rhythmically, causing a seemingly random thumping or clicking noise.
Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) Dysfunction
Most of the time, the Eustachian tube remains closed and only opens when you swallow or yawn.
For people with PET Dysfunction, the tubes stay open constantly, causing “autophony,” a condition in which your breathing sounds echo or distort, often accompanied by crackling.
Five Early Signs Of A Crackling Sound In The Ear
Early signs of ear crackling can vary depending on the underlying cause.
Listed below are five common early signs that you must watch out for in case of something more serious going on:
- Popping & Clicking: You may notice popping or clicking sounds in one or both ears, similar to popping bubbles.
- The Sensation of Pressure: You might feel pressure in the ear, as if something is blocking it.
- Mild Discomfort: You may experience slight discomfort in the ear, which can be referred to as a sensation of mild pain or extreme itchiness.
- Fluctuation in Hearing Sensitivity: You might observe subtle changes in your ability to hear or even a slight reduction in hearing sensitivity, especially in the affected ear.
- Temporary Hearing Loss: Frequent episodes of temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds in your affected ear lasting for short periods are early signs of ear crackling.
It is essential to remember that these signs vary depending on the underlying causes.
If you experience any of these signs or have concerns about ear crackling, it is advised to consult medical professionals, including ENT specialists, for a proper diagnosis.
How To Preserve Your Ear From Crackling Sounds?
To preserve ear health and minimize crackling sounds, the best approach is simple ear health maintenance.
First, keep your ears clean and prevent excessive earwax buildup. Excessive earwax is a key contributor to the crackling sound and could lead to hearing damage if not treated appropriately.
If you work in a noisy environment or just love concerts, wear protective headphones (or safety earbuds). This is another instance of something that may not bother you in the moment but could cause serious injury later in life.
During activities like flying or swimming/scuba diving, it is advised to yawn or swallow to equalize pressure in your ears.
Also, this is very important. Do not use cotton swabs, car keys, or any other object to clean your ears.
Wonder why? Other than the obvious, any foreign object inserted into your ear pushes earwax deeper, causing damage to your delicate structure.
Lastly, drink enough water to maintain proper Eustachian tube function, facilitate equalization of pressure, and minimize the likelihood of crackling sounds.
How To Get Rid Of The Crackling Sound In The Ear?
The different treatments for the crackling sound you’re hearing really depend on the underlying cause. That’s why your audiologist will first focus on finding the reasons why it’s happening, then present you with a treatment plan.
One of the most common treatments begins with earwax removal. An audiologist will perform ear irrigation or use specialized tools to remove the buildup in a safe manner.
If you have issues caused by blockages, nasal congestion, or improper pressure equalization, the next step might be Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Management.
In case of ear infection or inflammation, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications should be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and resolve the underlying problems.
If the crackling sound is accompanied by tinnitus, treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Sound Therapy, and TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy) are recommended to help manage the symptoms.
For cases where muscle tension or spasm contributes to the crackling sound, techniques such as physical therapy, jaw exercises, and relaxation exercises help reduce tension and offer immense relief.
The best way to address ear crackling is to identify the underlying cause and work with your audiologist to resolve it.
When to Worry About Crackling in Your Ear
While most of the time, nothing to worry about, if you suddenly experience any of these additional symptoms, it is time to call a doctor right away.
Sudden Hearing Loss
If everything suddenly goes quiet, this becomes a medical emergency. The sooner you get treatment (often within 48 hours), the better the chance of recovery.
Vertigo
Vertigo is when the room starts to spin, or you become dizzy. If you are suffering from this, it might mean you have an inner ear infection or Vestibular issues that, when left untreated, can cause long-term hearing problems.
Drainage
It can be unsettling to see blood, pus, or clear fluid leaking from the ear canal, and it’s time to call a medical professional because this is an emergency.
Facial Weakness
Any drooping or facial numbness can be a sign that the nerves running near the ear are under significant stress. You should call a doctor immediately if you notice these signs.
How To Safeguard Young Kids Against Loud Noises?
Studies have shown that long-term hearing damage isn’t always the result of a single instance, but rather the combination of loud noises over significant periods of time. Since you don’t lose all of your hearing at once, you’ll gradually lose your ability to hear if you don’t get regularly scheduled hearing checks.
Step one is to limit exposure. Minimize exposure to loud sounds, especially during fireworks, machinery, and TV time. Also, offer properly fitted ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs to kids when in a noisy environment.
Second, make sure all electronic devices, media, and toys have volume limitations. The goal is to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises.
You may also consider creating separate quiet areas at home for young kids where they can relax and take a break from the noise.
By practicing these measures, parents can safeguard their kids against damage caused by loud sounds.
Need Your Hearing Checked? Contact Hearing Health Center Today!
If you experience ear crackling with no pain, consult an ENT specialist or other medical expert to identify the issue and recommend treatment. It could be an earwax build-up, managing Eustachian tube dysfunction, or treating infections.
Consult our professionals at Hearing Health Center to get proper treatment, including earwax removal. We have a team to help patients find the treatment that best suits their unique hearing needs.
Hearing ability is a precious gift that enriches us and helps us connect to the world. Unfortunately, due to hectic lifestyles and impractical choices, hearing loss has become increasingly common, affecting all ages.
But the good news is that many of these cases of hearing loss are preventable. By practicing healthy choices and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your hearing health for ages to come.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced or diminished ability to pick up on sounds or even understand them. Its severity can range from minor to extreme, depending on the underlying reasons.
This includes ear infections, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, hereditary predisposition, head injury, side effects of a medicine, and aging.
The key to preventing or slowing hearing loss is to understand what is “loud” and to limit exposure. Understand that the louder the volume, the less time you can listen to it before it harms your hearing.
Why Is Hearing Loss Affecting People at Younger Ages?
There are myriad reasons why hearing loss appears to affect people now at earlier ages.
Loud environments and prolonged exposure to extreme volumes, such as recreational activities, concerts, and the constant use of personal audio devices at high volumes, are contributing significantly to hearing damage among young people.
With headphones becoming an everyday staple, constant exposure to loud music is slowly affecting people’s hearing. Add in how some occupations (construction sites, manufacturing facilities, aviation, transportation, and entertainment) regularly expose people to high levels of noise, and young people are more likely than ever to experience hearing loss.
Some medical conditions, such as genetic disorders, infections, and autoimmune diseases, can also lead to hearing loss, especially in younger individuals.
Genetic predisposition can make individuals more prone to hearing issues.
Thanks to cutting-edge diagnostic tools, more and more people are now aware of the importance of hearing health.
This includes improved identification and early detection of hearing loss. You can schedule a free comprehensive hearing exam at Hearing Health Center today.
What Are The Early Signs of Hearing Loss?
It is essential to note the early signs, although they vary by individual or specific type of hearing loss.
If you notice any of these signs or have concerns, connect with the Hearing Health Center team to avoid more serious, long-term damage.
Difficulty Deciphering Conversations
One of the early signs of hearing loss is trouble following conversations, especially in noisy environments.
You may find it challenging to understand what others are saying, leading to repeated questions or requests for clarification.
Increasing Volume
Turning the volume up or asking others to repeat themselves if you find it too loud or extremely loud indicates the onset of hearing loss.
Gradually increasing the volume is a major early sign that most people do not recognize.
Withdrawal from Social Events
Individuals with hearing loss often withdraw from social gatherings or group conversations.
This is the result of difficulties understanding conversations, which then leads to feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and even isolated.
Eventually, individuals will avoid situations that demand extensive communication.
Tinnitus
The perception of ringing, buzzing, or other ghost sounds in the ears is associated with hearing loss.
If you often experience tinnitus, especially with other symptoms such as difficulty hearing, it is advised to have your hearing checked.
6 Ways To Protect Yourself From Hearing Loss
1. Protect Your Ears Against Noise
Wear earplugs or muffs to reduce the impact of excessive sound at concerts or sporting events.
When at home, keep the volume at a normal level, especially when listening to music or watching TV, and use headphones.
2. Take Breaks from Noise
Taking regular breaks from noise is advised, especially in loud environments or when wearing headphones.
If you work at a loud site or in a noisy setting, take proper breaks in quieter areas to allow your ears to recover.
3. Be Cautious with Headphones
While earbuds and headphones entertain with convenience, don’t forget that they can be harmful, especially when misused.
Limit your use of headphones or earbuds, and when you do use them, keep the volume at a reasonable level.
Consider using noise-canceling headphones, which block external noise, so you can enjoy music without turning up the volume.
4. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors influence your hearing health.
Avoid smoking; it can contribute to hearing loss. Manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes – they affect your auditory system.
Stay physically active and practice a balanced diet to promote overall well-being, including your ears’ health.
5. Be Cautious with Medicines
Certain medications, also known as ototoxic drugs, damage your hearing.
This means if you are prescribed medication, consult your healthcare professionals about potential side effects on your hearing.
Be vigilant and report any effects or changes in your hearing during or post medication.
6. Schedule Regular Hearing Tests
Like any other routine medical check-up, regular hearing evaluations play a key role in detecting potential hearing loss early.
Schedule an appointment with a trusted audiologist or hearing healthcare expert to monitor your hearing health and address your concerns.
Ready To Protect Your Hearing? Schedule Your Free Hearing Exam Today.
Hearing loss can happen at any age and for many reasons, but fear not.
You can avoid noise-related hearing loss by getting annual hearing health testing, avoiding ear-damaging loud sounds, wearing ear protection muffs around loud noises, and practicing safe headphone usage.
Schedule your free hearing health exam at Hearing Health Center today.
I did the research so you don’t have to.
Understanding Traditional Medicare vs. Advantage Plans
Traditional Medicare
Traditional Medicare is operated by the government and is a combination of Medicare Parts A (hospitalization) and Parts B (Physicians and testing), and Part D (drug plan). Traditional Medicare covers 80% of your health care costs. To cover the remaining 20%, you must buy a Medigap, or supplemental, policy.
Cost
The cost for traditional Medicare for 2026 is estimated to be $206.50 monthly. The cost for a supplemental plan (G Plans), the most popular supplemental plan costs $100-$200/month.
Traditional Medicare
The Good News
- You cannot be turned down for the best, most comprehensive (and expensive) plan (currently Plan G), even if you already have health issues.
- Almost all doctors and hospitals accept Traditional Medicare. You have the widest access to health providers.
- Out-of-pocket costs are limited to the annual Park B deductible, estimated at $288 in 2026.
The Bad News
- The premium for a supplemental policy is more than for Advantage Plans.
- You still must buy a separate drug plan (Part D).
Advantage Plan
Advantage plans are operated by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Cost
You still must pay the cost for traditional Medicare (estimated 2026 premium of $206.50/month.
Advantage Plans
The Good News
- They often include additional benefits (dental, vision, hearing), that traditional Medicare does not cover.
- They usually include coverage (Part D), which is extra in Traditional Medicare.
The Bad News
- Many doctors and hospitals are dropping out of Advantage Plans because of declining reimbursement and paperwork nightmares.
- They require permission for testing and limited access to physicians and hospitals that are part of the group. Going out of network can mean higher costs or no coverage at all.
- Prior authorization is required for many services, which can delay or prevent needed care.
- Although premiums may be lower, Advantage Plans have higher co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums (in 2025, the out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage Plans is $9350 for in-network services).
- They may not offer coverage outside of their service area, which can be a problem when you travel.
Bottom Line
- Open enrollment occurs from Oct. 15th to Dec. 7th. This is the only time you can choose or change plans.
- Check the notice your current plan sent you. How much have premiums and costs risen? Are your doctors and hospitals still in the Plan?
Resources to help you:
- Medicare.gov
- eHealth.com
- Boomerbenefits.com
- For personalized help, make sure you use a licensed individuals – not from an Advantage salesperson who earns a larger commission for selling those plans.
The ear is a dark, warm, moist place…the perfect environment for growing fungi, germs, and bacteria. Hearing aids reside in this environment 13 to 16 hours/day.
Guess what? Every time you remove your hearing aid from your ear, it is loaded with fungus, germs, and bacteria.
Reinserting your hearing aids without cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting them can irritate the lining of your ear canals, leading to redness, swelling, itching, pain, unpleasant odors, and infections.
Here are our best tips on how to clean and disinfect your hearing aids.
Do I Have To Clean or Disinfect My Hearing Aids?
There are three key reasons why you should always clean and disinfect your hearing aids:
- Protect your ears
- Upkeep for optimal performance
- Avoid broken parts
A hearing aid, similar to an earbud or any type of headphone that sits in your ear, collects earwax, dirt, dust, and debris over time. While little bits of that won’t hurt, over time, all of those materials mixed within your ear can lead to ear infections and skin irritations.
Long-term, you might experience other ear-pain-related issues, all because you didn’t clean your hearing aids.
Like most electronics, the better you take care of them, the better they’ll work. Hearing aids are no different.
To maintain your ability to hear and the clarity with which sound comes through your hearing aid, you must clean it regularly. Debris (especially earwax and moisture) clogs microphones, receivers, and vents.
And of course, when your hearing aids start to break down, they just won’t last as long. Well-maintained hearing aids can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, but if you aren’t keeping up with cleaning, that time will shorten quickly.
While Hearing Health Center is always ready to help with any repairs you might need, we also want your hearing aids to last as long as possible to save you money and protect your hearing.
How To Clean Your Hearing Aids
Step 1: Wipe with a non-alcohol sanitizing wipe (like Audio Wipes).
Step 2: Keep your hearing aids in a drying system (Dry and Store) or the new (PerfectClean) explicitly designed to sanitize and pull out the moisture inside the hearing aids that accumulated from your ear.
Drying systems utilize desiccants and heated, moving air to dry the hearing aid both inside and out. The built-in ultraviolet light sanitizes and kills germs while removing moisture.
Using a drying kit will:
- Increase the life of your hearing aids
- Prevent costly repairs
- Increase battery life
- Maintain the peak performance of your hearing aids
- Relieve itchy ears by killing germs
**Pro Tip!** Never use alcohol on hearing aids or ear molds. It will ruin and erode the surfaces and special plastic materials used in the manufacturing process. Alcohol will also damage the delicate components of the hearing aid.
What NOT To Do When Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
1. Do NOT use household cleaning products to clean hearing aids.
It might be tempting to grab something underneath your sink to clean out your dirty hearing aids, but let me stop you there.
Not only could the chemicals cause your hearing aids to malfunction, but certain products may also harm your ears.
Instead, stick to cleaning products specifically designed for use with hearing aids. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the Hearing Health Center team.
2. Do NOT use sharp objects to clean hearing aids.
The products around your house, such as pins, needles, or even pencils, should never be used to clean something out of your hearing aids.
If an object is sharp, you have a good chance of puncturing and scratching the inner workings of your device, which increases the likelihood of breakage.
3. Do NOT submerge hearing aids in water to clean them.
We know it sounds obvious, but hearing aids are not waterproof. They might be water-resistant, but that isn’t the same thing. Instead, use a damp cloth with hearing aid-specific cleaning products to wipe them down.
4. NEVER use compressed air to clean hearing aids.
Your hearing aids are fragile, so a single blast from a can of compressed air could cause a lot of problems. The power is too much for the inner workings of your hearing aids to function, so whatever you do, do not use compressed air.
Need Help with Your Hearing Aids? Call Hearing Health Center Today.
Whether your hearing aids need tuning up or you’re in the market for a new pair, the team at Hearing Health Center has you covered. Our experienced audiologists conduct a comprehensive hearing exam to ensure your hearing aids are a perfect match for your needs.
Don’t delay; call Hearing Health Center or schedule an appointment online today.
You get out of the shower or start getting ready for the day, and you see a Q-tip on your counter. Next thing you know, it’s swirling around in your ear, only to make things muffled or hard to hear.
It’s pretty standard for patients to think they can clean their own ears, but unfortunately, it often leads to a pretty bad experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common earwax cleaning myths and why you should work with an audiologist the next time you think you might have too much earwax.
Why Do I Have Earwax?
EWWW…EARWAX! DISGUSTING!
Why is everyone so grossed out by earwax?
Well, for one, it looks gross. It’s brown, greenish, gunky and sometimes gooey and sticky. Just seeing it can make you feel unclean and in need of hygiene.
But get over it! Everyone has earwax.
And, it’s a good thing you do, or you’d be in a lot of trouble.
There’s a reason you have earwax. It creates a waterproof lining in your ears that keeps them dry, which prevents germs and bacteria from causing constant infections.
Earwax traps dirt and dust, and little pieces of cotton (from those nasty Q-tips), and all the stuff that gets stuck in the hairspray you accidentally sprayed in your ears.
Wax keeps your ears lubricated and repels fungi, insects, and water.
Earwax has a purpose. It protects your ears.
Are There Different Kinds of Earwax?
Having too little earwax or over-cleaning your ears can cause dry, flaky, and itching ears and trigger infections.
Some wax is dry and flaky, and some wax is gooey and sticky. What kind you have is basically genetic. In general, Asians have dry earwax while European and African populations produce “wet” earwax.
Should I Clean My Own Ears?
GET THAT Q-TIP, BOBBY PIN, PEN KNIFE, SAMURAI SWORD OUT OF YOUR EAR!
Most ears are self-cleaning. Every time you chew or talk, the movement of your jaw causes the dusty, germ-laden wax to be pushed toward the opening of your ear, where it usually flakes and falls out. Meanwhile, the glands in your ear canals are producing new, protective, fresh wax.
When you stick objects in your ear, you’re really not helping. You’re pushing all the wax deeper into the canal and causing it to keep building up. Then the wax gets impacted.
- You get hearing loss
- You get an earache
- You get tinnitus (ringing in your ear)
- Your ears itch
- Your ears smell bad
- You puncture your eardrum
5 Things That Can Cause Excessive Earwax Build-Up
There are five main reasons why you might have excessive earwax. Some of these are things you can control, whereas others are just part of our genetics.
- The number one cause of excessive wax buildup is self-cleaning attempts.
- Genetics – some people just produce too much. It runs in the family
- Headphones*
- Hearing aids*
- Age – the ears produce less moisture, and the ear canals can narrow, causing the dry wax to get stuck.
*Your ears need to breathe and get air. Wearing headphones and using hearing aids can block the ears from performing their natural self-processing.
Common Earwax Cleaning Myths
We get patients every day who tell us about something they’ve heard online, or from a friend about cleaning their ears. Next thing you know, they tried something, and it made everything worse.
Here are some of the most common earwax cleaning myths we’ve heard:
Myth: Ear candling is a safe and effective way to remove earwax and toxins.
Ear candling, or ear coning, involves placing a lit, hollow candle into the ear canal, with the belief that it creates suction to draw out earwax and impurities.
Medical experts and scientific studies have consistently debunked this practice as both ineffective and highly dangerous.
It does not remove earwax; instead, it can lead to severe burns, introduce candle wax into the ear canal, cause ear infections, or even puncture the eardrum.
The residue found in candles after use is typically just candle wax and soot, not earwax.
Myth: You should clean your ears daily to maintain good hygiene.
While it’s important to keep the outer ear clean, the inner ear canal is remarkably self-cleaning.
Your ears are designed with a natural “conveyor belt” system, where old earwax is gradually moved out of the ear canal through jaw movements (like chewing and talking).
Attempting to clean your ears daily, especially by inserting objects, can disrupt this natural process, push wax deeper, and cause more problems than it solves.
For most people, simply wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth is sufficient.
Myth/Fact: Over-the-counter ear drops are a universal solution for all earwax problems.
Ear drops can help soften earwax, which can aid in its natural expulsion or make professional removal easier.
Many over-the-counter drops contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that work to break down earwax.
However, they are not a universal solution.
Ear drops should be used with caution and often under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you suspect you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection, or ear tubes.
For significant or impacted earwax, drops alone are usually not enough, and professional removal by an audiologist or doctor remains the safest and most effective method.
Cleaning Your Ears Isn’t a DIY Project. Call Hearing Health Center Today to Get Your Ears Cleaned Today.
Cleaning your ears isn’t a do-it-yourself project. Even if you use an over-the-counter remedy, how do you know if it worked? You can’t see what you’re doing in there.
If you think you have earwax buildup, do NOT try to fix it yourself. Your audiologist or doctor can remove it quickly, easily, comfortably, and professionally.
Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists at Hearing Health Center for a comprehensive hearing exam and be on your way to better hearing.
Is it the laser, or is it the Ophthalmologist that saved your vision?
Is it the artificial heart, or is it the surgeon that saved your life?
All hearing aids are a piece of plastic. Granted, some pieces of plastic are more expensive than others depending on the electronic components and computerized technology inside the plastic. But essentially, hearing aids are plastic devices.
So, is it the piece of plastic, or is it the provider you see that’s behind successful use and adaptation to hearing aids?
Purchasing hearing aids online and at retail establishments might be tempting to save money, but they lack the critical elements for successful hearing aid use and satisfaction:
- Lack of professional evaluation may not accurately reflect your true hearing ability and may miss a medical or surgical problem.
- Without professional and personalized fitting, the hearing aids may not sit correctly in your ears causing pain, discomfort, and slippage.
- Inadequate programming can lead to over or under amplification.
- You may be on your own for troubleshooting issues or adjustments.
- Lack of regular maintenance can cause more breakdowns and repairs.
While online and retail purchased hearing aids might offer a lower upfront cost, the potential for poor fit, improper programming, and lack of support and ongoing care can render the hearing aids ineffective. You’ve wasted your money.
In a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, the number one reason for success and satisfaction with hearing aids is the hearing care provider.
Hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the FDA and are only available through licensed hearing care providers.
Hearing care providers, specifically doctors of audiology, are exceptionally trained and educated to diagnose the cause of hearing and balance problems, including tumors, growths, and infections. If the problem is not medically or surgically treatable, doctors of audiology have a comprehensive understanding of the software and algorithms of the different hearing aid manufacturers.
You are unique. Your brain, lifestyle, needs, and sound preferences are different from your best friend or neighbor. Audiologists assess all the above before determining which hearing aids would be best for you.
The fitting, programming and adjustments of the hearing aids are personalized for your brain’s processing ability and your listening preferences to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
Ongoing support and continuity of care are essential for optimal results and long-term hearing health. Hearing aids are not a one-shot deal. They are a lifetime. Just like teeth, hearing aids need regular checkups and maintenance. Just like your vital statistics, your prescription can change. Yearly hearing evaluations are crucial so adjustments can be made to accommodate any changes to your hearing and brain processing ability.
Bottom line: See an audiologist for the best outcome and satisfaction with your hearing aids.
We live in a digital age. With a click of a button, you can download your favorite movies. You can order the latest clothing trends.
You can even have your groceries delivered right to your door. So what about having your hearing aids delivered to you? Sure, the convenience and relative ease might be convincing.
But how do you know you’re really getting the hearing help you need?
The Convenience of Online vs. The Value of Professional Hearing Care
The hearing industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last 25 years.
We no longer see the “big beige bananas” earphones that plagued those with hearing problems in the past.
Now, hearing aids are small, discrete, and more technologically advanced than ever.
But you wouldn’t buy a pair of glasses without knowing your prescription, would you? The same principle should apply if you’re purchasing hearing aids.
The difference maker between online purchases and in-office ones is the trained Doctor of Audiology, who fits and sets up the hearing aids.
Unless your hearing aid is programmed directly for your needs—your physical ear, your lifestyle, your audiometric hearing loss—you won’t be getting the hearing help you need.
Instead, you’ll be left to figure it out yourself, leading to a lackluster hearing experience.
Why Professional Diagnosis is Non-Negotiable for Your Hearing Health
When it comes to your hearing, a professional diagnosis isn’t just a recommendation—it’s non-negotiable.
Why?
Before we even think about hearing aids, our Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your hearing problems.
Hearing loss isn’t always as straightforward as needing a volume boost.
Sometimes, hearing loss can be something easily treatable, such as a simple buildup of earwax. Other times, it’s a sign of a more serious medical issue.
You don’t and can’t know on your own.
Plus, without a medical diagnosis, you could end up spending a significant amount of money on a hearing aid you don’t even need.
We don’t want our patients to fall for the trap of an online solution when what they truly need is a precise and professional diagnosis.
The Role of Your Audiologist
There are four key roles your audiologist takes on when you come in with hearing problems: diagnosis, programming, fitting, and repairs.
At one of your first appointments, and before ever discussing hearing aids with you, Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to determine the root cause of your hearing problems. These simple tests are comprehensive and enable you to gain a thorough understanding of your current hearing health.
Without a doctor’s diagnosis, you could be scammed into paying for a hearing aid online that you do not need.
Once we’ve discussed your hearing aids, your audiologist will take the time to assist you in programming them.
Remember, hearing aids are not just volume controls.
Hearing aids have to be specifically programmed to help you hear the sounds you are missing.
Without a comprehensive test, even the best hearing aids can’t help you because they won’t be programmed to your needs.
Of course, you also want the right fit for your hearing aids. These must always be customized to the specific user.
If you purchase hearing aids online, there is no guarantee that they will fit your ears properly.
And in the unlikely event that something breaks, like any piece of equipment, your audiologist has the capabilities to repair and assist with any issues you might encounter.
Rather than having to fill out online forms or mail your hearing aids, Hearing Health Center can help you right away.
A Personalized Approach to Hearing Health
Your ears are as unique as your fingerprints, and your hearing loss pattern is entirely individual.
This is precisely why a personalized approach to hearing aid fitting and programming is a crucial step in your hearing health journey.
Without custom programming based on a comprehensive audiometric test, even the most advanced hearing aid technology will fall short.
It would be like trying to navigate a complex city with a generic map when you need a detailed GPS.
A personalized approach means your hearing aids are an extension of you, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Is an Online Bargain Truly a Better Value?
While a pair of online, over-the-counter hearing aids might retail for anywhere from $300 to $2,000, professionally fitted prescription hearing aids, which often include comprehensive services, are a bit more expensive.
At first glance, that price difference feels substantial.
But remember, that online “bargain” often doesn’t account for crucial elements like a professional diagnosis, custom programming tailored to your unique hearing loss, or personalized fitting for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
These aren’t just “add-ons”; they are the foundational pillars of successful hearing aid use.
Without a proper diagnosis, you may purchase an unnecessary device or one that fails to address the root cause of your hearing issues, resulting in wasted money.
If the fit is poor, you’ll experience discomfort and likely won’t wear them consistently, rendering your investment useless.
Is it really a bargain if you’re not hearing your best?
Ready to Improve Your Hearing? Call Hearing Health Center Today!
Want to experience the difference by working with Hearing Health Center? Our team delivers comprehensive, high-quality exams to ensure your hearing aids are the right match, fit, and sound for you.
Schedule your free examination to start hearing better today!
Hearing aids, like all electronic or mechanical devices, require routine maintenance. Otherwise, sounds become muffled or – in the worst-case scenarios – fail altogether.
Regardless of the style of hearing aid you have, they are all electronic devices that are placed in a sweaty, waxy, and moist environment for an average of 18 hours a day. That means gunk and dirt from your ears enter the hearing aids, causing malfunctions and unnecessary costs.
That’s why daily hearing aid cleaning and maintenance is important. With decades of experience, we’ve compiled the following tips to help keep your hearing aids working under the toughest of conditions.
Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters
Hearing aids improve the quality of life for anyone struggling with their hearing health. A 2022 study reported 80% of hearing aid owners are satisfied with their devices, and 64% acknowledged that hearing aids have improved the quality of their lives.
Despite that, a 2013 research paper identified that 80% of adults aged 55–74 years who would benefit from a hearing aid do not use them.
Some of that is due to poor fits or broken hearing aids, but there’s a portion of the population that struggles with the daily maintenance required to keep their hearing aids working properly. They might wear their hearing aids for a few months, then stop once the maintenance becomes too much.
But it’s important to note that hearing aids are electronic devices. Just like any other device in your home, they are susceptible to gunk, earwax, and dirt. Sensitive components, such as microphones, receivers, amplifiers, and batteries, are all vulnerable to moisture and ear buildup.
Regular upkeep helps prevent repairs and keeps your hearing devices functioning better and longer.
It’s not just about protecting your hearing aids, it’s about maintaining a healthy quality of life.
7 Tips to Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
1. Wipe Down Your Hearing Aids
This first step you should do at least once a day.
Take out your hearing aid and wipe it down as well as the dome with a tissue or moist wipe.
You can do this first thing in the morning or right before bed to ensure any buildup from the day isn’t still on the electronic parts.
2. Brush Parts of Your Hearing Aid
Your audiologist probably gave you a small brush when you picked up your hearing aids. Use that brush to clean your microphones, receivers, and other parts of hearing aids daily.
If you cannot find the original brush, use a small, soft baby toothbrush as an alternative.
3. Change Your Wax Guards
Hearing aids that have wax guard systems—check and change at least once a month, or anytime the wax guard is clogged and you’re not hearing well.
If you need to buy new ones, wax guards are available for purchase at all Hearing Health Center locations.
4. Replace Your Domes
Domes should be replaced if they start to become loose or sag, so they don’t become stuck in the ear canal.
Consider changing your domes every couple of months to prevent this from happening.
5. Air Out Your Batteries
Open the battery door at night to turn your hearing aids off and allow air to enter the battery compartment. This limits additional buildup and allows you a chance to clean any dirty areas.
As a bonus, this saves you some battery life.
6. Store Hearing Aids in a Dry Environment
Do NOT store the hearing in a humid environment like the bathroom.
Hearing aids spend most of their day in the humidity of your ear canal, so give them space to breathe and avoid picking up any additional bacteria that may exist due to the humid temperatures.
7. Use a Drying Unit
Place the hearing aids in a drying unit overnight.
Most units have fans to circulate the air, UV lights to kill bacteria, and a desiccant to remove moisture and humidity from the hearing aids. If you don’t have one, get one.
Need Help with Cleaning, Parts Replacement, or Hearing Aid Troubleshooting? Visit Hearing Health Center Today.
The team at Hearing Health Center is on your side and ready to help with all of your hearing aid problems. Schedule a visit with our audiology team today at any of our five locations, and we will work to make sure you never miss a conversation again.