Hearing aids are designed to make life easier and help people with hearing loss feel more connected. But sometimes, they just don’t sound right.
If sounds aren’t clear, or they come through as muffled or inconsistent, one of the main causes might be earwax. Having too much earwax on a hearing aid is one of the common reasons why the device stops working. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest problems to fix.
What Makes Earwax Build Up
Earwax is a natural part of the body, and it’s meant to keep the ears clean and safe. It will trap bacteria, dirt, and dust, stopping them from going deeper into the ear canal. Earwax usually cleans out on its own. People who wear hearing aids might be more troubled by them.
Hearing aids are designed to go into or around the ear canal, and this stops earwax from coming out of the ear on its own. With a buildup of earwax, the hearing aid can become damaged, and the ear will also be affected. That’s why people with hearing aids usually have issues with earwax.
How Earwax Affects Hearing Aids
If there’s a little bit of earwax in the hearing aids, it can be a problem. It will block all the tiny holes that sound is meant to pass through, making sound muffled and low. Earwax also causes the hearing aids to whistle, or in the worst cases, it stops them from working completely. Sometimes, earwax even seeps into the delicate parts of the device, so only a professional can clean or fix it.
If there’s plenty of wax on the hearing aid, it might seem like it’s broken. But the best solution is to clean it right away, as this will make the sound clear again and also prevent further issues with the device.
Preventing Problems Before They Happen
Earwax is an important part of the body, but if it builds up, it’s not as easy as it seems to get used to it. Consider using the tools given by a hearing health professional. Also, clean the hearing aid with a soft cloth to maintain it. Many times, new hearing aids come with wax guards and filters that can protect the delicate parts. Change the filters regularly so that the device works better.
Aside from cleaning the device, don’t neglect taking care of the ears. It’s very important to avoid using cotton swabs or sharp objects in the ears. Most of the time, they just make the problem worse by pushing it deeper. Instead, safe choices are mild over-the-counter drugs or hiring a pro to clean the ears. Hearing aids and the ears work better as long as they’re taken care of.
How to Know If You Have a Blockage
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if earwax is the problem with a hearing aid. There are still some signs that make it more likely. If the hearing aid suddenly sounds quieter, muffled, or distorted, earwax may be blocking the microphone or receiver. Feedback, buzzing, or whistling sounds are other signs of buildup.
It can also help to check in at home a lot. It’s easy to figure out what’s wrong by checking for wax outside or inside the device. If one hearing aid stops working as well, it could also mean that earwax is the problem.
When to Get Help from a Pro
Sometimes home care isn’t enough. If cleaning the ears doesn’t help with earwax problems or the hearing aids still don’t sound right after cleaning them, one might want to get help from a professional. Professionals can safely clean out earwax and check the device for more buildup or damage.
Hearing aids will last longer if a professional cleans them. Regular checkups help to catch small problems before they get worse and need to be fixed. People who wear hearing aids every day should see a doctor and have a professional clean and check them.
Going Forward to Hear Better
Earwax shouldn’t stop a person from getting hearing aids. If anything, they make it easier to talk to people and will make life better. If the hearing aids are causing muffled sounds or feedback, or if they just stop working, it’s best to get help right away. Also, book an appointment for a checkup or professional cleaning.
Cleaning up earwax buildup early not only makes things better, but it also keeps the things we need every day safe. It will eventually increase hearing and keep the hearing aid working right, as long as it’s taken care of today.