Ear drops are often necessary to manage ear wax buildup or treat ear infections, common issues for hearing aid users. However, these liquid treatments pose a direct threat to the delicate internal electronics of hearing devices. Understanding this interaction is important for protecting your hearing aid investment and maintaining function. Preventing exposure is simpler and less costly than repairing the damage ear drops can cause.
How Ear Drops Affect Hearing Aid Components
Ear drops cause damage primarily through two mechanisms: moisture invasion and chemical degradation. Hearing aids are miniature electronic devices with microphones, receivers, and circuitry highly susceptible to liquid contact. When drops enter the device through ports or the battery compartment, they can cause immediate short circuits.
The moisture initiates corrosion on the metal contacts and soldering points inside the casing, leading to intermittent function or complete device failure. Thin, water-based drops, such as hydrogen peroxide solutions, easily seep into the smallest openings. Certain chemicals, like alcohol found in some ear drops, can also degrade the plastic shells and tubing, causing them to become brittle or crack.
Viscous or oily drops, such as mineral oil or thick cerumenolytic agents, cause physical blockage. These thicker liquids clog the fine mesh screens over the microphone and the wax guards protecting the receiver. This blockage prevents sound from entering or leaving the device, resulting in reduced sound quality or total loss of amplification. The residual film left by these oily substances can also attract dirt and debris, accelerating future blockages.
Safe Practices When Using Ear Drops
The primary step for protecting your device is removing the hearing aid completely before applying any drops to the ear. Never attempt to administer drops while the device is still in the ear canal, as this guarantees liquid exposure. After application, allow sufficient time for the ear canal to fully absorb or drain the liquid.
A minimum waiting period of 10 to 15 minutes is recommended before reinserting the hearing aid; highly viscous drops may require longer. To prevent residual liquid from leaking out and contacting the device, gently place a small cotton ball at the entrance of the ear canal. Also, tilt the head with the treated ear facing upward for several minutes immediately after application to allow the drops to settle.
Immediate Steps If the Hearing Aid Gets Wet
If a hearing aid is accidentally exposed to ear drops or any other moisture, swift action is necessary to minimize damage. The first step is to power the device off and remove the battery to prevent an electronic short circuit. Wipe down the entire exterior of the device with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove visible liquid.
Next, open the battery door and any other compartments, such as the receiver vent, to encourage air circulation. Place the exposed device into a dedicated hearing aid drying box that uses desiccant material or an electronic dehumidifier overnight. Alternatively, placing the hearing aid in a sealed container with moisture-absorbing silica gel packets is a viable option. Never use heat sources like a hairdryer or oven to dry the device, as extreme heat can warp the plastic casing and destroy internal components. If sound quality remains poor after 24 hours of drying, contact your audiologist for professional assessment and cleaning.