08 Nov How to Avoid Itching When Wearing My Hearing Aid Domes? Causes & Solutions

Wearing hearing aids can sometimes lead to some itching and discomfort, especially around the ear canal where the domes or tips go in. A study showed that 39% of people using hearing aids deal with itching; some get used to it, but others keep feeling uncomfortable. It can definitely be a hassle, but don’t worry—there are a bunch of things you can do to cut down on or even avoid that itching. If you’re curious about understanding how to avoid itching when wearing my hearing aid domes, we’ve got your back. In this post, we’ll dive into what usually causes itching with hearing aid domes and share some straightforward tips to help you feel better.

5 Reasons For Itching Ears When Wearing Hearing Domes

To address the question “How to avoid itching when using my hearing aid domes?” It’s helpful to first understand the causes of itching. Here are five common causes of itching in the ear along with their solutions.

Skin Sensitivity

The skin inside your ear canal is super sensitive and can easily get irritated by things like hearing aids. Further, hearing aid irritation can also pop up if your skin doesn’t vibe well with the materials in the domes.

Poor Fit and Fitting Issues

Next up, a hearing aid that doesn’t fit right can cause some serious pressure and rubbing in your ear. Also, your hearing aid can be either openly fitted or closely fitted. Here’s the scoop.

• Open Fittings: If an open-fit device isn’t snug, it might move around and cause some irritation.

• Closed Fittings: Closed custom earmolds can feel uncomfortable if they don’t fit right or if moisture gets trapped inside.

Tubing or Receiver Length

Incorrect tubing or receiver length can cause pressure and discomfort. Here’s how: 

• Too Short: First, if the tubing is too short, it can tug on your skin, causing pressure that might irritate you.

• Too Long: Secondly, on the flip side, long tubing can make the hearing aid lift off your ear, causing it to shift and rub against your skin, which can result in itchy ears with hearing aids.

• In-Between Lengths: Also, sometimes, the receiver length lands between two sizes, and if it doesn’t fit perfectly, it can really be uncomfortable.

Allergic Reactions

Some folks can be sensitive to the materials in hearing aids and even to cleaning stuff like chlorhexidine. Picking the right hearing aid materials is key to avoiding hearing aid allergies and hearing aid irritation.

Ear Oils and Wax Buildup

Our ears naturally produce oils and wax that help keep them healthy, but if you clean them too much or they’re too dry, it can cause irritation. When your ears are dry, they can get super itchy, especially if you’ve been overcleaning them.

How to Avoid Itching When Wearing My Hearing Aid Domes?

Since we have the probable reasons for itchy ears while using ear domes, let’s focus on the main question. So, how to avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes? Well,  here’s the scoop:

Use Hypoallergenic Materials

If allergies are the reason behind the itching when wearing hearing aid domes, consider switching to hypoallergenic options:

• Try Silicone or Gold-Plated Molds: These materials are often gentler on sensitive skin.

• Boil Earmolds in Saline: This method can reduce allergic reactions by eliminating residual chemicals.

So, picking the right hearing aid materials can help lessen hearing aid skin irritation. That way, you’ll steer clear of discomfort and avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes

Adjust Dome Size and Fit

Make sure that you are using a better-fitting hearing device to  avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes. This is because it will significantly improve comfort. This is what you can do

• Switch Dome Type:  First and foremost, try different dome styles (open, closed, or tulip). This will help you choose the best for you and thus you can avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes

• Adjust Insertion Depth: Next, setting the device in at the right depth could help ease any discomfort. For this purpose, you can take the help of your doctor.

Customize Tubing and Receiver Length

Customizing tubing length can help troubleshoot hearing aids itchy ears. This way, you can tackle any discomfort caused by a bad fit and avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes.

• Match the Receiver Length: For RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) devices, make sure the receiver length suits your ear. Picking the right length can stop any shifting that leads to discomfort.

• Tweak Dome Size: Check that the dome fits snugly so it doesn’t move around or push against your ear canal.

Moisturize Ears and Manage Wax

Keeping the ear canal moist can prevent dryness and thus  avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes. 

• Use Ear Moisturizers: Products like Eargene or Miracell can hydrate and soothe the skin.

• Avoid Alcohol-Based Cleaners: Alcohol dries out the skin and can worsen itchiness.

• Manage Ear Wax: Use drops specifically designed to soften earwax, or ask a professional to clean your ears if necessary.

Therefore, preventing wax buildup and dryness can avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes.

Try Hypoallergenic Materials and Adjust Cleaning Routine

Dodge those pesky allergic reactions by picking milder materials. 

• Go for Silicone or Acrylic Molds: Silicone usually doesn’t trigger allergies as much.

• Steer Clear of Harsh Cleaners: Choose gentle, alcohol-free soaps to keep skin irritation at bay.

Additional Tips to Prevent Itching

To prevent itching when you wear hearing aid domes, you can try these suggestions: 

• Take Breaks: Firstly, give your ears a rest by removing your hearing aids for a couple of hours if irritation bothers you. Keep It Clean: Use a soft cloth to wipe your hearing aids to remove earwax and debris. 

• Use A Humidifier: Humidity could be one of the reasons for itching ears. So you can try  using a  dehumidifier to help remove this moisture and keep your hearing device clean.

Hence, by tackling these  problems, you can avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes. Therefore, you can have a better experience with your hearing aids.

When & Why Should You Seek Professional Help?

If your ears keep itching or feeling uncomfortable, you should see a hearing expert. They can help you find good ways to feel better. Ongoing irritation isn’t just annoying—it might point to bigger problems that need looking at. 

• Audiologist Check: An audiologist can figure out if your hearing aid type, how it fits, or what it’s made of is causing trouble. They can tweak things, give it a deep clean, or suggest how to stop ears from itching when wearing hearing aids.

• Regular Check-ups and Ear Examination: Ear, nose, and throat doctors can look at your ears often to check for wax buildup, the risk of infections, or other things that might be making your ears sore. Getting your ears checked often is key to keeping them healthy if you wear hearing aids every day.

Conclusion

So if you are wondering how to avoid itching when wearing my hearing aid domes, you need to think about things. This includes things like how they fit, what they’re made of, how you clean them, and how you take care of your ears. Your ears might itch because the domes don’t fit right, you’re allergic to something, or you have too much earwax.

The good news is, if you do the right things, you can cut down on the itching or even stop it, making wearing your hearing aids much nicer. If your ears keep itching even after you’ve done your best, it’s a good idea to talk to an audiologist. They can check if your hearing aids are set up and working .

FAQ

1. How often should I clean my hearing aid domes?

It is recommended that you clean your hearing aid domes daily to avoid itching when wearing hearing aid domes, buildup of moisture, dirt, and earwax. In addition, a simple wipe with a dry cloth can help keep them clean.

2. What are some effective home remedies for itchy ears caused by hearing aids?

For instance, applying a few drops of mineral oil or olive oil can soothe itchiness. However, ensure that your hearing aids are removed during this process. Additionally, always consult a healthcare professional before trying home remedies.

3. Can changing the type of hearing aid dome help with itching?

Yes, switching to a different style or material of hearing aid dome may alleviate itching. Therefore, talk to your audiologist about alternatives that might be more comfortable for you.