From the Guidelines
If your hearing aid is causing ear pain by obstructing the ear canal, you should first try removing the hearing aid and cleaning it regularly according to manufacturer instructions to prevent wax buildup that can worsen obstruction, as cerumen impaction can reduce the intensity of the sound reaching the tympanic membrane by as much as 10 to 15 dB in the mid- to high frequencies 1. When a hearing aid doesn't fit properly, it can put pressure on the sensitive skin and numerous nerve endings in the ear canal, causing inflammation and discomfort. The presence of foreign objects such as hearing aids can cause stimulation of cerumen impaction, and the combination of cerumen impaction and hearing aid use may alter external auditory canal bacterial flora to include pathogens that can increase the risk of otitis externa 1. Some key points to consider when dealing with ear pain from a hearing aid obstructing the canal include:
- Removing the hearing aid when experiencing pain and giving your ear a break
- Cleaning your hearing aid regularly to prevent wax buildup
- Consulting your audiologist who can modify the fit or recommend a different style of hearing aid that might be more comfortable
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the packaging for immediate relief It's essential to find the right balance between effective amplification and comfort to avoid more serious issues like ear canal abrasions or infections. Users of hearing aids should visit a primary care physician or audiologist any time that a change in performance is noticed, as cerumen impaction may change hearing aid performance 1.
From the Research
Ear Pain from Hearing Aid Obstructing the Canal
- Ear wax can become a problem when it obstructs the ear canal, causing symptoms such as deafness and pain 2
- The use of hearing aids can prevent normal extrusion of ear wax, leading to accumulation and potential hearing impairment 3
- Ear wax can visually obscure the ear drum and may need to be removed for diagnostic purposes 3
Methods for Removing Ear Wax
- Ear drops can be used to remove or aid the removal of ear wax, with various types of liquids available, including oil-based and water-based compounds 2
- The effectiveness of different methods for removing ear wax, including softeners, irrigation, and manual removal, has been evaluated in several studies 4, 3
- The use of softeners followed by irrigation or self-irrigation has been found to be effective in removing ear wax, with minimal adverse effects 4
Adverse Effects of Ear Wax Removal
- Adverse effects of ear wax removal, such as discomfort, irritation, or pain, have been reported in some studies, but are generally mild and limited 2, 4
- The risk of adverse effects may be higher with certain methods of ear wax removal, such as irrigation, and should be carefully considered when selecting a treatment approach 4
Treatment Options for Ear Pain Caused by Hearing Aid Obstruction
- Treatment options for ear pain caused by hearing aid obstruction may include the use of ear drops or other methods to remove ear wax, as well as adjustments to the hearing aid itself 3
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of different methods for removing ear wax and relieving ear pain caused by hearing aid obstruction 4, 3