Hearing aids are small electronic devices designed to amplify sound for individuals who have difficulty hearing. Ear tubes, also known as pressure equalization (PE) tubes, are tiny cylinders surgically placed in the eardrum. The purpose of this article is to provide clear guidance on whether these two devices—hearing aids and ear tubes—can be used together safely and effectively. Navigating hearing health often involves understanding multiple devices, and this information helps set proper expectations.
The Role of Ear Tubes in Hearing Health
Ear tubes are typically recommended by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to address chronic middle ear issues. The primary reason for insertion is persistent fluid buildup, known as otitis media with effusion, or frequent, recurring middle ear infections. These small tubes create a vent in the eardrum, allowing air to flow into the middle ear space and equalizing the pressure.
By ventilating the middle ear, the tubes allow trapped fluid to drain, which resolves a common cause of temporary hearing difficulty. This hearing loss is classified as conductive, meaning sound waves are physically blocked from reaching the inner ear. The tube insertion often leads to a noticeable improvement in sound clarity and volume.
Hearing aids are most often used to treat sensorineural hearing loss, which involves permanent damage to the inner ear’s sensory cells or the auditory nerve. However, some individuals experience a mixed hearing loss, where both conductive and sensorineural issues are present. In these cases, a person may require hearing aids to address the permanent sensorineural component, even after ear tubes have corrected the temporary conductive loss.
Compatibility and Safety of Combining Devices
It is safe and possible to wear hearing aids while ear tubes are in place, but this combination requires careful professional management. The decision should be made in consultation with both an audiologist and an ENT specialist. The main concern is ensuring that the hearing aid’s components do not interfere with the tube or compromise the middle ear’s health. Specifically, the hearing aid’s earpiece must not put undue pressure on the ear tube or block its function. An audiologist must carefully assess the acoustic seal and sound delivery to prevent feedback or discomfort.
The insertion of ear tubes often changes the patient’s hearing profile by resolving the conductive component of their loss. Existing hearing aids will need to be re-evaluated and reprogrammed by the audiologist to account for the improved hearing. This avoids over-amplification, which could occur if the device’s settings are not updated after the tube is functioning. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the stability of the ear tube and ensure the hearing aid continues to provide appropriate amplification.
Necessary Adjustments and Maintenance
For individuals wearing hearing aids with ear tubes, daily management focuses on hygiene and moisture control to protect both the ear and the electronic device. Since the tube creates an open pathway to the middle ear, the ear canal becomes more susceptible to moisture and potential infection. Keeping the hearing aid and the ear canal dry is important.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid styles are often preferred over devices that sit deep in the ear canal, such as In-the-Canal (ITC) or Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) models. BTE models place the electronics behind the ear, allowing for less direct contact with the ear canal, minimizing complications from drainage or moisture. The audiologist can fit the BTE device with a thin tube or a custom earmold designed to avoid contact with the tube site.
Patients should use hearing aid dehumidifiers or drying kits nightly to remove accumulated moisture from the electronics. If active drainage or infection occurs, the hearing aid should be temporarily removed, and the ear should be examined by a medical professional. Ongoing monitoring by both the ENT specialist and the audiologist is necessary to promptly address any changes in ear discharge, discomfort, or hearing.