Why do My Ears Itch with Hearing Aids?

Is it normal for ears to itch when wearing hearing aids?

Yes, it's normal to feel a bit of itchiness in the first few weeks of wearing new hearing aids. It will take some time to adjust to the sensation of something being in constant contact with your ear.

Just like getting used to a new pair of glasses, you're initially very aware of them resting on your nose.

Fortunately, this feeling usually fades after a few weeks, and soon you'll forget you’re even wearing them.

Why do my hearing aids make my ears itch?

The itchiness is generally a sign that the skin and nerves inside of your ear are getting used to the device.

However, if the itching persists beyond a few weeks, it could be unrelated to the hearing aids themselves. Common causes include allergies, earwax build up or skin conditions such as eczema.

How to stop my ears from itching when wearing hearing aids?

To effectively treat itchiness, it's important to understand the underlying cause.

If you’re new to hearing aids

It often helps to gradually increase the amount of time you wear your hearing aids each day to allow your ears to adjust. Additionally, using an olive oil ear spray can help soothe the skin inside your ears and reduce itchiness. We recommend Earol Olive Oil Spray, which you can apply to your fingers or a tissue, then rub onto the dome or mould of the hearing aid for relief.

If your hearing aids aren’t fitted properly

A minor adjustment might be needed. Perhaps the dome size isn't quite right, or a moulded hearing aid would be more comfortable. If you’re an OutsideClinic customer and you’re still experiencing itchiness after a month of wearing your hearing aids, then contact us and we’ll arrange for them to be looked at.

Skin irritation

For issues like dry skin or eczema, consulting with your GP to find the appropriate treatment can provide relief.

Earwax build up

It's crucial to manage earwax properly. As tempting as it is, don’t use a cotton bud or a cotton swab in your ear – this often just pushes wax further into your ear canal and irritates the sensitive skin in your ear.

Allergies

If allergies are the culprit, an antihistamine might alleviate the itchiness. A pharmacist will be able to offer appropriate advice.