Quick Answer
Hearing aids can indirectly lead to ear infections if proper hygiene and fitting are not maintained. They create a warm, moist environment inside the ear canal, which may increase the risk of bacterial or fungal growth, especially when combined with wax buildup or poor cleaning habits. Ill-fitting devices can irritate the skin or trap moisture, causing infections like otitis externa. However, infections are preventable. With regular cleaning, correct fit, proper ventilation, and moisture control (such as using dry aid kits), hearing aid users can minimize infection risks and maintain healthy ears.
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Key Takeaways
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Hearing aids do not directly cause infections, but they can increase risk under poor conditions
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Most common issue: outer ear infections (otitis externa) from trapped moisture or wax
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Microbial changes in the ear canal have been observed in long-term hearing aid users
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Moisture + warmth + debris = perfect conditions for bacteria or fungi to thrive
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Poorly fitted aids can cause friction, micro-abrasions, and irritation
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Symptoms: itching, pain, swelling, discharge, muffled hearing
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Stop using hearing aid in the infected ear and consult a medical professional
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Prevention: daily cleaning, proper fit, use of dry aid kits, regular wax removal
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People with diabetes, skin conditions, or reduced immunity may be more vulnerable
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Don’t ignore symptoms, early treatment prevents complications and preserves hearing aid function
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Wearing hearing aids greatly improves the quality of life for people with hearing loss, but they come with responsibilities, including proper hygiene. One of the less talked about, but important, issues is whether hearing aids can cause ear infections. The truth is, while they don't directly cause infections, hearing aids can create an environment where infections are more likely, especially if not used or maintained correctly.
The ear canal is naturally a warm, moist space that can trap heat, wax, and moisture. Adding a hearing aid, particularly one that fits deep into the canal like CIC (completely-in-canal) or IIC (invisible-in-canal) styles, further reduces air circulation and may introduce more opportunities for microbial growth. Even behind-the-ear (BTE) devices can pose risks if connected to earmolds that seal the canal too tightly, creating a moist and enclosed environment.
Most infections tied to hearing aids are otitis externa, which affects the external ear canal. This is often referred to as “swimmer’s ear” and involves inflammation, bacterial or fungal overgrowth, and symptoms such as pain, itching, and sometimes discharge. Otitis externa becomes more likely when the hearing aid fits poorly or rubs against the skin, causing micro-abrasions where bacteria can enter. When sweat, water, or environmental humidity is introduced, the risk rises even more.
Another factor is cleanliness. Hearing aids collect earwax, oils, and debris throughout the day. If users don’t clean their devices regularly—removing wax from domes, receivers, and tubing—bacteria and fungi can thrive on the surface and be reintroduced into the ear canal each time the aid is worn. Using dirty fingers to handle the device also increases contamination risk.
The presence of wax buildup around the device can also be a problem. Wax is naturally produced by the ear to trap dust and prevent infections, but too much wax, especially when compacted by a hearing aid, can block airflow and hold moisture close to the skin. This trapped moisture can break down skin integrity and lead to inflammation or infection. If hearing aids sit in the canal for long periods without adequate cleaning or breaks, the risk is significantly higher.
Another overlooked aspect is how medical conditions affect susceptibility. Individuals with diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of skin irritation and slower healing. These users need to be extra diligent about hygiene and monitoring any changes in ear comfort.
So how do you know if you might be developing an infection related to your hearing aid use? Symptoms usually begin with mild discomfort, perhaps a feeling of fullness, itching, or irritation in the ear. This can escalate to sharp pain, redness, swelling, and discharge. Some users notice muffled sound or a foul smell. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to pause hearing aid use in the affected ear and seek medical advice.
Treatment typically involves cleaning the ear canal, applying antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, and allowing the ear time to recover. During this time, your hearing aids should be disinfected thoroughly and possibly adjusted or refitted by your audiologist. In some cases, changing the style of hearing aid or adding more ventilation to your mold or dome may be necessary to avoid recurrence.
The good news is that preventing infections is straightforward with a few best practices. Start with a solid cleaning routine. Wipe your hearing aids daily using recommended non-alcohol wipes or soft cloths. Use wax pick tools and brushes to clean speaker ports and domes. Consider replacing domes, wax guards, and tubing as recommended, often every few weeks or months.
Moisture control is equally important. A dry aid kit or hearing aid dehumidifier can pull out moisture that builds up inside the device overnight. These are especially helpful in humid climates or after workouts, and are available as passive jars with desiccants or active electronic dryers.
Always ensure your devices fit comfortably and securely. If your hearing aid causes soreness or doesn’t stay in place, it might be too tight or too loose, both can lead to irritation and increased infection risk. Your audiologist can make small changes to molds or domes, such as using softer materials, adding ventilation, or selecting hypoallergenic components.
Let your ears breathe. While it’s tempting to wear your hearing aids from the moment you wake up to when you go to bed, consider giving your ears occasional breaks, especially during times of high humidity, or if you’ve noticed irritation. And never insert your devices with wet hair or after swimming or showering, always dry your ears thoroughly first.
Stay alert to changes. Regular hearing care appointments are crucial not only for hearing checks, but also to ensure your ear canals are healthy. Your provider can identify early signs of infection, excessive wax buildup, or skin changes before they become serious.
In summary, hearing aids don’t directly cause ear infections, but under the wrong circumstances—unclean devices, poor fit, excessive moisture, they can certainly create conditions that foster them. The good news is that these risks are highly manageable. With a daily hygiene routine, proper fitting, and awareness of symptoms, hearing aid users can keep their ears healthy and infection-free while continuing to enjoy improved hearing.
