Hearing aid itches in the ear: itchy ears with hearing aids
In general, itchy ears can have various causes. It is particularly common due to seborrheic dermatitis - a skin rash that can affect the scalp, eyebrows and ears. However, hearing aids can also trigger irritation and itchy ears or exacerbate existing symptoms.
Itchy ears due to hearing aids
When hearing aids cause friction, this sometimes leads to skin irritation accompanied by itching. This is sometimes caused by moisture accumulating in the ear. As some hearing aids close off the ear canal, the moisture is trapped and increases the risk of such irritation. It is also crucial that your hearing aids fit perfectly, otherwise unpleasant rubbing and pressure points are to be expected. Finally, some hearing aid wearers have an allergic reaction to the material of their earmolds.
Hearing aids itch in the earIf your hearing aids itch in your ear, you should visit your hearing aid acoustician if possible. They will check the fit of your device to rule out a suboptimal fit as the cause. If the material is suspected to be the cause, your hearing care professional will make the earmolds from a different material for the next fitting.
Itchy ears treatment
Despite great temptation, you should not insert anything into your ear to stop itching. This can damage the eardrum and scratch the skin of the inner ear. The consequence is even more itching, accompanied by an increased risk of infection. If the itching occurs in combination with an allergy, an antihistamine may help. Ear drops can also help to soothe the irritated skin. You should always consult your doctor for advice on this. Concrete problems with the fit or material of your hearing aids, on the other hand, can be identified and rectified by your hearing aid acoustician.
Prevent itchy ears
To prevent itchy ears, you should follow certain principles:
- Do not insert any objects into the ear: Although it may be tempting, objects usually only push the earwax deeper into the ear canal and even injure the skin or eardrum. As a result, there is an increased risk of infection. Clean your hearing aids regularly and properly. This will protect the material and prevent injuries to your ear caused by damage.If you regularly wear earplugs or in-ear headphones, make sure you clean them regularly to avoid infections.
- Remove excess water: After bathing, swimming or showering, it is advisable to gently remove excess water.