While earwax serves as an essential protection for your ears, too much can cause problems both for you and your hearing aids.
Signs Your Hearing Aid Has Earwax Buildup 
Earwax buildup is one of the leading causes of hearing aid repairs. It can cause problems like feedback (whistling in your hearing aid), lead to weak or distorted sound, or cause your hearing aids to fit uncomfortably in the ear.
Hearing Aids Can Increase Earwax Production
Hearing aid users are at an extra disadvantage when it comes to earwax, as using hearing aids can actually increase earwax production and make it more likely that you experience buildup.
According to The National Library of Medicine, “earwax is more likely to accumulate and cause a hearing impairment when normal extrusion is prevented (for example, by hearing aids or by the use of cotton buds to clean the ears).”
In addition to temporary hearing loss, earwax buildup can cause ear pain, tinnitus, itchiness in the ear and ear infections.
For the safety of your ears and your hearing aid, it’s essential to know how to properly remove earwax from your hearing aids.
Steps For Cleaning Earwax of Your Hearing Aids
- Inspect your hearing aids for any earwax.
- Wipe your hearing aids off with a soft, dry cloth.
- Use your tools from a hearing aid cleaning kit, such as a brush or pick to remove any leftover wax. You can often find these kits online or at a local drugstore like West Main Pharmacy.
- Replace your filters and wax guards on your hearing aids on a regular basis. The lifespan of these varies from person to person based on how much earwax they produce.
- Clean the sound bore or tip where sound enters your hearing aid. You can do this by using a wax loop or brush to scoop the earwax away from the opening.
- For those that wear a behind-the-ear BTE hearing aid, it’s important to check the tube that connects the hearing aid to the earmold and remove any wax you see there.
- Store your hearing aids in a drying box at night after cleaning to keep your device safe and free of excess moisture.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center today.