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People who use hearing aids need to take particular care of their outer ears and ear canals. Because of the constant contact, earmolds and hearing aid shells can put stress on the skin of the outer ear and canal and prevent normal ventilation of the ear canal.
Good care means keeping your ears clean, dry (but not too dry), lubricated and healthy. Here are some tips:
- If you have a history of ear drum perforation or lesion of the skin of your ear canal, (or you aren't sure), get medical advice before putting anything in your ear.
- Avoid "washing" your ears too much, saturating them with moisture. Your hearing aid or ear mold can trap water vapor, causing your ear to remain moist and prone to fungal and bacterial infection. Excess moisture can also cause hearing aid malfunctions.
- If you have a history of wax build-up, consider using earwax removal drops available through our office, at a pharmacy, or in the healthcare section of the grocery store.
- If itchy ears are a problem, you can use an anti-itch (very mild hydrocortisone) cream, also available in our office or over-the-counter. This cream should be used at night after you've removed your hearing aids. You can also put the cream directly on the earmold or hearing aid (but be careful of the sound openings).
- One of the best substances for keeping skin lubricated is glycerin, one of the few chemicals that skin tissue can absorb. Several products are specifically designed for hearing aid users; others are available over-the-counter. For example, Eargene, Miracell, Avon's Silicon Glove and Cornhusker's Lotion are all good for the ear's skin tissue Baby oil or olive oil are also good for lubricating the outer ear canal and increasing the tissue's natural capacity to reject water.
- Never stick Q-tips, hairpins, keys or other items in your ears!
- Have your ears examined periodically to ensure good ear health. (We routinely check your ears as part of your periodic hearing healthcare check-up.)
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