How Earwax Affects Your Hearing Aid Performance

Earwax buildup is one of the most common causes of hearing aid malfunction. Even a small amount can block sound outlets, trigger feedback, and reduce the effectiveness of your devices by up to 50%. Understanding this relationship helps you maintain optimal performance and avoid frustrating interruptions.

Why Earwax and Hearing Aids Don't Mix

Earwax serves an important protective function for your ear canal, trapping dust and debris before they reach your eardrum. When you wear hearing aids, this natural process can be disrupted. The devices sit in or near your ear canal, which can interfere with the normal migration of wax outward. This creates a perfect storm: your ears may produce more wax in response to the foreign object, while the hearing aid simultaneously blocks the natural cleaning process.

Common Problems Caused by Earwax

Sound Quality Issues: The most noticeable impact is reduced sound quality. When wax accumulates on the microphone ports or receiver of your hearing aid, it acts as a barrier between you and the sounds you're trying to hear. You might notice your devices seem quieter than usual or that certain sounds become muffled.

Feedback and Whistling: Earwax buildup can cause your hearing aids to whistle or produce feedback. This happens when sound leaks back into the microphone because the device doesn't fit properly due to wax accumulation in your ear canal, or when wax blocks the receiver causing sound to reflect back.

Complete Device Failure: In severe cases, earwax can completely block the receiver, making your hearing aids appear broken when they simply need cleaning. Many people assume their devices need repair when the actual problem is wax blockage.

How We Address Earwax at Our Practice

We perform Real Ear Verification during your hearing aid fitting to ensure your devices are programmed correctly for your specific hearing needs. This precise measurement helps us establish a baseline for your hearing aid performance, making it easier to identify when wax buildup is affecting function.

At our Ankeny location, we provide professional earwax removal services using specialized equipment and techniques. Our hearing care professionals use microscopic visualization to safely and effectively remove troublesome buildup that home methods cannot address. This gentle approach prioritizes your comfort while thoroughly clearing excess cerumen that interferes with both your natural hearing and hearing aid performance.

Preventing Wax-Related Problems

Regular Professional Cleanings: We recommend bringing your hearing aids in for professional cleaning every 3-6 months. During these appointments, we check for wax blockage in microphone ports and receivers, replace wax guards as needed, and verify proper function.

Daily Maintenance: Each night, wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. Never use water or cleaning solutions unless specifically designed for hearing aids. Check your wax guards regularly and replace them when they appear blocked or discolored.

Avoid Cotton Swabs: Never insert anything into your ear canal, including cotton swabs. These tools push wax deeper into the canal, worsening the problem and potentially causing injury to delicate ear structures.

When to Seek Professional Help

Schedule an appointment if you notice a feeling of fullness in your ear, muffled hearing, earache, itching, or if your hearing aids produce feedback or reduced sound quality. These signs indicate you may need professional earwax removal.

For hearing aid users, we often recommend more frequent earwax checks as part of your regular care routine. This preventive approach helps avoid sudden device problems and ensures consistent sound quality.

The Connection Between Ear Health and Device Performance

Your hearing aids work best when your ears are healthy and clear. During earwax removal appointments, we conduct a thorough examination of your ear canal and eardrum to check for any conditions that might require medical attention. This careful assessment ensures both your ear health and optimal hearing aid function.

Professional earwax management is particularly important because we can address both your ear health and device maintenance simultaneously. We'll clean your hearing aids while removing excess wax, providing comprehensive care that keeps everything working properly.

Schedule Your Appointment in Ankeny

If you're experiencing reduced hearing aid performance or symptoms of earwax buildup, professional removal can provide immediate relief. Our Ankeny team has the specialized training and equipment to safely resolve earwax issues while ensuring your hearing aids perform at their best.

Don't risk damage to your ears with unsafe home removal attempts or endure unnecessary discomfort from excess wax. Contact our Ankeny location today to schedule an appointment. We'll help you maintain both your ear health and hearing aid performance with expert care tailored to your needs.