If you wear hearing aids, you’ve probably noticed that ear wax can sometimes become more of a problem than it used to be. In fact, many of the patients we see at Bath Ear Care wear hearing aids and are surprised to discover that their devices can affect the natural movement of wax within the ear canal.

Here are four of the most common questions we hear from hearing aid users.

Why Do Hearing Aid Users Get More Ear Wax?

Ear wax (also known as cerumen) is produced naturally by the ear canal to help protect the ears from dirt, dust and infection. Normally, wax slowly migrates out of the ear on its own through natural jaw movements such as talking and chewing.

Hearing aids can sometimes interfere with this process. When a hearing aid sits in the ear canal, it can act a little like a cork, reducing the ear’s ability to move wax naturally towards the outside of the ear. Over time, wax can build up behind the hearing aid and become impacted. Some hearing aid users also find that the presence of the device stimulates the ear canal to produce more wax than usual. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but it is one of the most common reasons hearing aid wearers seek professional ear wax removal.

How Often Should Hearing Aid Users Have Their Ears Checked?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer because everyone’s ears produce wax at different rates. As a general guide:

• If you’ve never had wax problems before, an annual check may be sufficient.
• If you’ve experienced wax build-up in the past, a check every 6 months is often sensible.
• If you frequently require ear wax removal, checks every 3–4 months may help prevent hearing aid performance issues.

Many hearing aid users notice a gradual reduction in sound quality without realising that ear wax is the cause. Regular ear examinations can help identify problems before they begin to affect hearing.

If you wear hearing aids and notice a sudden change in hearing, it’s always worth checking for wax before assuming there’s a problem with the device itself.

Can Ear Wax Damage Hearing Aids?

Yes, ear wax can sometimes affect the performance of hearing aids. Wax can block microphones, receivers and sound outlets, leading to:

• Reduced volume
• Distorted sound quality
• Intermittent operation
• Whistling or feedback
• Complete blockage of the device

Modern hearing aids often include wax guards and filters designed to protect the internal components, but these still require regular cleaning and replacement. Excessive wax build-up can also increase the likelihood of repairs and maintenance costs over time. Keeping the ears free from excessive wax and following the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations can help prolong the life of your hearing aids.

A useful rule of thumb from our ear care specialists at Bath Ear Care is:

BTE users: pay attention to the ear mould and tubing.

RIC users: pay attention to the wax guard and dome.

ITE/CIC users: pay attention to the entire device because it sits directly in the ear canal and is most exposed to wax.

The above are generally why and where the wax affects the device.

Why Does My Hearing Aid Whistle?

A whistling hearing aid is usually caused by something called feedback.

Feedback occurs when amplified sound escapes from the ear canal and is picked up again by the hearing aid microphone, creating a whistling or squealing noise.

Several factors can cause this:

Ear Wax Build-Up

One of the most common causes is ear wax.

A blockage can alter the way sound travels through the ear canal, increasing the likelihood of feedback.

Poor Fit

If the hearing aid is not sitting correctly in the ear, sound may escape around the device.

Volume Set Too High

In some cases, the hearing aid may require adjustment by your audiologist.

Changes in the Ear Canal

Weight loss, ageing and changes in ear anatomy can sometimes affect how well a hearing aid fits.

If your hearing aid has recently started whistling and wasn’t doing so before, ear wax is often one of the first things worth investigating.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

Consider booking an ear examination if you:

• Wear hearing aids and notice reduced hearing.
• Frequently need to increase the volume.
• Experience whistling or feedback.
• Feel your ears are blocked.
• Have not had your ears checked for more than a year.

At Bath Ear Care, we regularly help hearing aid users identify whether ear wax is contributing to hearing difficulties and can advise on the most appropriate treatment options where necessary.

Special considerations for hearing-aid users and wax build up

Hearing aids can sometimes contribute to wax accumulation by reducing the ear canal’s natural self-cleaning process. If you wear hearing aids:

Keep the hearing aids out while applying drops.

Clean the hearing aids according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tell the ear care clinician if you have recurrent wax problems, as regular wax checks may be beneficial.

Need Your Ears Checked?

If you’re experiencing blocked ears, reduced hearing or hearing aid problems, an ear examination can quickly determine whether ear wax is contributing to the issue. Contact Bath Ear Care to arrange an appointment and ensure both your ears and hearing aids are performing at their best.