Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic medical devices. X-rays are a common form of diagnostic imaging using controlled bursts of ionizing radiation. A frequent concern for hearing aid users is whether these devices must be removed before an X-ray procedure. Understanding how hearing aid components interact with diagnostic radiation is key to knowing the correct protocol. This addresses whether medical imaging poses a risk to the function of the device or the clarity of the resulting image.
Radiation Effects on Hearing Aid Components
Diagnostic X-rays use extremely low doses of ionizing radiation. The energy levels used in a typical medical or dental X-ray are insufficient to cause physical damage to the intricate components inside a modern hearing aid. X-ray exposure does not affect the device through magnetic interference.
The electronic components, including digital microchips and memory, are engineered to be robust. While high-energy radiation can theoretically corrupt data, the brief, low-dose exposure from an X-ray is far below the threshold required to induce such failures. This principle holds true for the power sources, whether the device uses traditional zinc-air batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion cells.
The batteries in hearing aids are not compromised by this type of radiation exposure. Studies have found no resulting change in function or performance after multiple dental X-ray exposures. Therefore, the safety concern for the device itself is minimal. There is no risk of the X-ray damaging the electronics or destroying the battery.
Hearing Aids and X-Ray Image Artifacts
While the device is safe from the radiation, its physical presence can negatively impact the X-ray image. This is the primary reason for removal. Hearing aids contain small amounts of metal in components like microphones, receivers, and battery contacts. Metal is highly radiopaque, meaning it blocks X-rays from reaching the film or digital sensor.
When X-rays are blocked, they create a bright white area on the resulting image, known as an artifact. This artifact is a distortion that does not represent the patient’s anatomy. If the X-ray examines an area close to the ear, such as the skull, jaw, or teeth, the shadow cast by the hearing aid can obscure the underlying anatomical structures.
This interference can hide a fracture, an infection, or another condition necessary for an accurate diagnosis. The issue is not damage to the hearing aid, but a detriment to the diagnostic quality of the image. The artifact obscures the field of view, potentially necessitating a repeat scan and additional radiation exposure for the patient.
Practical Guidance for Medical Imaging
The decision to remove a hearing aid for an X-ray depends entirely on the part of the body being examined. If the procedure images an area far from the head, such as the chest or a limb, removal is generally optional. The hearing aid will not interfere with the image of the area of interest in these cases.
Removal is strongly recommended or mandatory for any X-ray involving the head, neck, or jaw, including dental X-rays and skull series. In these instances, the potential for the device to create a diagnostic artifact is high. This could prevent the medical team from clearly seeing the required anatomy. The hearing aid is removed purely to ensure the X-ray image is clear and usable.
A patient should always inform the X-ray technician or medical staff that they are wearing hearing aids before any procedure. Although the radiation is not a threat to the device, medical protocols vary by facility and imaging type. Following the specific instructions provided by the technician is the safest course of action. This protects both the hearing aid and the diagnostic quality of the image.