Wearing hearing aids: side effects, allergies and infections

Last update on Jul 21nd, 2022

Despite being indispensable tools for a better quality of life, wearing hearing aids can lead to side effects, such as allergies, infections and irritation. If used correctly, a hearing aid should not cause any problems, except in cases where people have particularly sensitive skin, or suffer from allergies. However, if hearing aids are worn incorrectly and proper precautions are not taken, side effects are more likely to occur. Below we can see how to prevent ear infection from hearing aids and their causes.

Can hearing aids cause ear infections?

The hearing aid is a foreign body that must be in contact with the ear for as long as it is worn, and this can create problems, such as otitis and sometimes even otomycosis (fungal infections affecting the ear canal). Therefore, if you have very sensitive skin or suffer from skin allergies, you should disclose this when purchasing a hearing aid. Amplifon devices are made from materials that are thoroughly tested and certified to minimize the possibility of allergic reactions.

Can I lose my hearing after an ear infection?

An ear infection can be very painful and is often accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting. In addition to this, the accumulation of fluid and mucus caused by the infection can block the passage of sounds, triggering hearing loss. To avoid this, it is advisable not to clean your ears with cotton swabs or other objects that can create minor trauma. Should an allergic reaction appear, make sure to keep your ears dry and clean, remove any earwax and remove earplugs, earrings as well as hearing aids.

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Can I wear hearing aids with an ear infection?

When you have an  ear infection, it is generally better not to wear your hearing aid. If your ears are swollen and sensitive, the device can make you feel even more pain. Also, the  hearing aid prevents the ear from getting proper ventilation while the infection is being treated. Keep in mind that putting on and taking off the hearing aid can bring other harmful bacteria into the ear, as well as cause breaks and cuts in the skin, which can worsen an infection rather than cure it.

How can I prevent ear infections?

To prevent infections, it is essential to be attentive to your ear and hearing aid hygiene, in particular if you are prone to ear infections. If your hearing aids are not cleaned properly, they can trap moisture in the ear or carry harmful bacteria. To avoid these occurrences, you can remove your hearing aids at night so that the ears dry out and have time to breathe and clean out your devices carefully using special cleaners so that viruses and bacteria are removed. 

Do hearing aids cause allergies?

Allergy to hearing aids are very rare, but can occur under specific circumstances, especially if a person has very sensitive skin. It is possible for a hearing aid to trigger dermatitis or irritate the skin if it rubs against skin where soaps or creams containing certain irritants have been previously applied. However, it should be pointed out that if a device is place in correctly, it will not cause any rubbing against the skin. 

What should I do if I have allergic reactions?

In case of an allergic reaction to hearing aids, the trigger (the hearing aid), must be eliminated. Therefore, you should consult an Amplifon specialist to get the best appropriate advice on how to solve this problem. To reduce the side effects of the allergy, you may need to apply drops, a cream, or take oral medications. In addition to this, make sure to consult your doctor in case of allergic symptoms, so that they can prescribe the most appropriate treatment. 

Wearing the hearing aid for the first time

Wearing a hearing aid means hearing well. However, it also means dealing with a medical device that has to be worn on a daily basis and that you have to get used to. At the begining, you may experience some discomfort, as it is still a foreign body placed inside the ear. However, once you get used to wearing the hearing aid, you will begin to appreciate the benefits that the device can offer. 

Dermatitis in ear

Contact dermatitis is a type of allergic reaction that can affect the ear when it comes in contact with certain materials, such as the nickel in earrings, plastic in earbuds, or chemicals in beauty products. To treat dermatitis, the agent causing the allergy must be identified and eliminated. In order to reduce any swelling and itching, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid-based creams as treatment.

Choosing a hearing aid

Those who have certain allergies should pay close attention when choosing their hearing aid. When doing so, make sure to check the materials with the device is made, which should always be tested and certified. In addition to this, it is advisable to always consult a specialist who can indicate the best solution based on your hearing needs. 

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