Cerumen is a naturally produced substance that plays a protective role in the ear canal. This waxy secretion cleans, lubricates, and helps shield the ear from dust, debris, and foreign particles. The body is designed to naturally move this wax out of the ear canal through jaw movement from talking and chewing. However, the use of hearing aids introduces a physical barrier that disrupts this self-cleaning process, leading to excessive wax buildup.
The Direct Link: How Hearing Aids Influence Cerumen
Hearing aids severely impede the wax’s natural migration out of the ear canal. The device acts as a physical plug, blocking the pathway the wax uses to exit, which is the primary cause of impaction. The device can also stimulate the skin lining the ear canal, causing the ceruminous glands to increase secretions. The ear perceives the hearing aid as a foreign object, producing more wax to try and push the object out. This combination results in cerumen becoming trapped and compacted against the device or the eardrum.
In-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) models, which sit deep within the ear, are most prone to this issue because they occupy the area where wax is produced and naturally expelled. Even receiver-in-canal (RIC) models, which have a small speaker component resting in the canal, can interfere with wax movement. This trapped wax can lead to problems, including muffled sound and device malfunction. Studies suggest that 60 to 70 percent of hearing aid repairs are due to wax buildup inside the unit.
Managing Earwax: Prevention and Safe Removal
Managing cerumen buildup is important for both hearing health and device performance. For home prevention, the goal is to gently soften the wax to aid its natural exit. Over-the-counter softening drops containing ingredients like mineral oil, olive oil, or hydrogen peroxide can be used to break down the wax.
It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any at-home earwax regimen, especially if you have a history of ear surgery or a perforated eardrum. A saline solution or a warm water flush using a bulb syringe can be a gentle method to remove loosened wax. Never use cotton swabs, hairpins, or other pointed objects inside the ear canal, as these push the wax deeper and risk injury or impaction.
Professional removal by an audiologist or physician should be sought if you experience symptoms like earache, dizziness, a feeling of fullness, or ringing in the ears. These experts can safely remove impacted wax using tools like a curette, micro-suction, or professional irrigation. Regular check-ups for wax removal, often every three to six months, are recommended for consistent hearing aid users.
Protecting the Device: Maintenance for Hearing Aids
Cerumen poses a direct threat to the electronic components of a hearing aid. The chemical composition of earwax, which includes oils and acids, can corrode the internal parts of the device over time. Therefore, maintaining the hearing aid itself is a necessary part of the daily routine for all users.
Hearing aids must be gently wiped down every night with a soft, dry cloth to remove surface moisture and wax residue. For devices with components that sit in the ear canal (ITE, CIC, or RIC models), a wax guard or filter is installed at the sound outlet as a primary defense. This filter catches wax before it can enter the receiver and cause damage.
Wax guards are disposable and meant to be replaced, not cleaned, as attempting to clean them can push the wax further into the device. Users should inspect the wax guard weekly and replace it whenever it appears clogged, which may be every few weeks depending on individual wax production. Storing the hearing aids in a drying box or with the battery door open at night allows for proper ventilation and moisture reduction.