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Can Hearing Aids Cause Ear Infections?
Learn how moisture, earwax buildup, and poor fit can increase infection risk and what steps protect your hearing health.
Updated:
At a glance:
- Hearing aids do not directly cause ear infections, but moisture buildup, earwax buildup, and poor fit can increase infection risk.
- Outer ear infections are most commonly linked to wearing hearing aids, and symptoms such as ear pain, fluid drainage, and muffled hearing require prompt attention.
- Daily cleaning, safe earwax management, proper fit, and regular check-ups with an audiologist significantly reduce the risk of ear infections.
Hearing aids do not directly cause ear infections. However, wearing hearing aids can increase the risk of ear infections if moisture, earwax buildup, or poor cleaning allows bacteria to grow in the ear canal.
This article explains why this can happen, the symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your hearing health.
How Wearing Hearing Aids Can Lead to Ear Infections
Hearing aids sit inside or over your ear canal for many hours each day. They reduce airflow and can trap heat and moisture inside the ear.
These factors can increase the risk of ear infections:
- Moisture buildup: Hearing aids can trap sweat and humidity in the ear canal. Moisture supports bacterial growth and may lead to outer ear infections.
- Earwax buildup: Hearing aids can push earwax deeper into the ear canal. Blocked wax can trap fluid, slow drainage, and cause a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing.
- Poor fit: A tight or loose hearing aid fit can rub the skin. This can lead to ear irritation or a sore ear canal from hearing aid use.
- Pressure and friction: If you ask, “Why does my hearing aid make my ear sore?” the cause is often repeated pressure against the same area of skin.
- Allergic reactions: Hearing aid materials such as acrylic or silicone can irritate the skin in the ear canal, which makes bacterial growth more likely.
Types of Ear Infections That Can Affect Hearing Aid Users
Here are the types of ear infections that can affect hearing aid users.
Outer Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)
Otitis externa, also called swimmer’s ear, affects the outer ear and the ear canal. It occurs when the skin lining the ear canal becomes infected. This type of infection is most commonly linked to wearing hearing aids.
Common symptoms include ear pain, redness, swelling, and fluid drainage. Because hearing aids sit inside the ear canal, they can make the pain more noticeable during use.
Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Otitis media affects the middle ear behind the eardrum. It develops when blocked eustachian tubes trap fluid, building pressure and allowing bacteria to grow and cause infection.
Although hearing aids do not cause middle ear infections, inflammation and pressure can make wearing them painful. Symptoms may include ear pain, pressure, muffled hearing, and temporary hearing loss.
Inner Ear Infections (Labyrinthitis)
Labyrinthitis is an infection or inflammation of the inner ear, which controls hearing and balance. It is less common than outer or middle ear infections and is not caused by hearing aids.
Symptoms may include tinnitus, dizziness, balance problems, and temporary hearing loss. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent hearing loss if left untreated.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection While Using Hearing Aids
An ear infection can change how your ears feel and how your hearing aids perform. Watch for these symptoms:
- Ear pain: Ongoing or worsening pain inside the ear, especially while wearing hearing aids.
- Ear irritation: Redness, swelling, or itching in the ear canal.
- Feeling of fullness: Pressure or blockage that makes the ear feel plugged.
- Muffled hearing: Reduced sound clarity beyond existing hearing loss.
- Fluid drainage: Discharge from the ear, which may indicate active infection.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing that begins or intensifies with infection.
- Temporary hearing loss: Short-term hearing changes caused by fluid buildup or inflammation.
Should You Wear Hearing Aids During an Ear Infection?
Hearing aids should not be used during an active ear infection, especially when pain or fluid drainage is present. Continued use can trap moisture in the ear canal, increase pressure, and worsen the infection.
A healthcare provider may recommend temporary discontinuation until the infection clears. An audiologist or hearing specialist can determine when it is appropriate to restart using hearing aids.
How to Prevent Ear Infections When Wearing Hearing Aids
Here are practical steps to help prevent ear infections while wearing hearing aids.
Follow a Proper Cleaning Routine
Clean hearing aids daily to remove earwax and surface debris. Wipe the device with a dry cloth after each use to reduce moisture inside the ear canal.
Disinfect hearing aids according to the manufacturer’s instructions or guidance from an audiologist, and store them overnight in a dehumidifier to control moisture. Routine care does not remove all buildup, so include professional cleaning during regular check-ups.
Manage Earwax Safely
Hearing aids can interfere with the natural movement of earwax out of the ear canal. Over time, earwax buildup can trap moisture and affect device performance.
Do not insert cotton swabs or sharp objects into the ear canal. These tools push wax deeper and can damage the skin. If blockage develops, seek removal from a healthcare provider trained in safe earwax management.
Ensure a Proper Fit
A proper hearing aid fit prevents excess pressure inside the ear canal. Devices that sit too tightly can irritate the skin, while loose devices shift and create friction.
Schedule regular check-ups to evaluate comfort and positioning. An audiologist can adjust the device if it causes soreness or redness. Addressing fit issues early reduces skin damage and supports long-term use.
Do Certain Types of Hearing Aids Increase Infection Risk?
The types of hearing aids can affect airflow inside the ear canal:
- In-the-ear (ITE) models fill more of the ear canal, which can limit airflow and increase moisture buildup. Higher moisture levels can raise the risk of outer ear infections.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) models rest outside the ear canal and deliver sound through tubing. This design leaves more of the ear canal open and allows better ventilation.
However, device style alone does not determine infection risk. Proper cleaning, fit, and regular check-ups play a larger role.
Popular Hearing Aid Brands to Prevent Ear Infections
Some modern hearing aids are designed for comfort, ventilation, and easier maintenance. The brands below offer a range of in-the-ear and behind-the-ear models with remote support and adjustable features.
| Brand | Style | Starting Price | Notable Features |
| Eargo | In-the-ear | $1,650 | Breathable in-canal design, rechargeable, remote support |
| ELEHEAR | Behind-the-ear | $399 | App controls, AI noise reduction, long battery life |
| Audicus | ITE and BTE options | $1,398 | Custom programming, remote adjustments, audiology support |
| Jabra Enhance | Behind-the-ear | $1,195 | Virtual consultation, rechargeable models, strong remote support |
For a complete comparison of features, pricing, and trial periods, visit our best hearing aids guide.
FAQs About Hearing Aids and Ear Infections
Yes, new hearing aids can cause a mild earache during the adjustment period. Pressure, friction, or an incorrect fit can irritate the ear canal. Pain should improve after minor adjustments. Persistent or worsening ear pain requires evaluation by an audiologist to check fit and positioning.
The best ear drops depend on the cause of symptoms. A healthcare provider may recommend antibiotic ear drops for infection or medicated drops for inflammation.
Yes, ear drops can damage hearing aids if moisture enters the device. Liquid can affect microphones, speakers, and internal electronics. Remove hearing aids before using drops and avoid reinserting them until the ear canal is dry to prevent damage.
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