Hearing aids work by capturing sound through a microphone, converting it into an electrical signal, amplifying it, and then sending it to a speaker inside the ear to assist those with hearing loss. Pacemakers are small electronic devices surgically implanted to regulate heart rhythms by delivering electrical pulses to the heart. As both are electronic, a common question arises about their potential interaction and safety.
How Hearing Aids and Pacemakers Interact
Pacemakers sense the heart’s natural electrical signals and deliver impulses to maintain a regular beat. This makes them sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can disrupt electronic devices. Hearing aids contain components that emit low levels of electromagnetic energy, particularly those with wireless or Bluetooth capabilities. This emission creates a theoretical possibility for interference, where the pacemaker might misinterpret these signals or experience temporary disruption. Such interference could lead to issues like inappropriate pacing or changes in sensing.
Current Device Safety
Despite the theoretical potential for interaction, modern hearing aids and pacemakers are designed with advanced features to prevent significant electromagnetic interference. Manufacturers incorporate shielding and filtering into pacemakers to protect the internal circuitry from external electromagnetic fields. Similarly, contemporary hearing aids are engineered to operate at very low power levels, emitting significantly less radiofrequency energy than many other common electronic devices, such as mobile phones. International regulatory bodies, including the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), establish strict electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards that medical devices must meet before they can be marketed. These standards ensure that devices are immune to expected electromagnetic disturbances and do not emit excessive interference. As a result, clinically significant interference between modern hearing aids and pacemakers is exceptionally rare.
Guidance for Individuals
Individuals who use both hearing aids and pacemakers, or are considering them, should always consult their healthcare providers. It is important to inform cardiologists and audiologists about all implanted and external electronic devices. While interference is uncommon with modern devices, maintaining a distance of at least 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) between the hearing aid and the pacemaker site is a general precaution sometimes recommended by device manufacturers. If any unusual symptoms occur, such as lightheadedness or a change in heart rhythm, it is advisable to move the hearing aid away from the pacemaker and contact a medical professional immediately. Carrying a pacemaker identification card can also be helpful for quick reference in various situations.