Blog post

Why do my ears itch with hearing aids?

    Back to top

    Is it normal to 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 buildup, 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 customers 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 buildup

    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.

    Find out more

    View all

    Ocular hypertension (high eye pressure): Causes, symptoms & treatment

    High eye pressure, without any ocular damage, is known medically as ocular hypertension whereas high pressure with damage is a form of glaucoma.

    Read more

    Labyrinthitis: Definition, causes, symptoms and treatments

    Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder, characterised by inflammation of the membranes within labyrinth - a structure within the inner ear that plays a crucial role in hearing and balance.

    Read more

    Perforated ear drum: Symptoms, treatments, risks and causes

    A perforated eardrum occurs when there is a hole or a tear within the eardrum (tympanic membrane). The eardrum itself is a thin layer of tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. Click to read more.

    Read more