Hearing aids themselves do not cause ear infections, but improper use and care can create conditions that make infection more likely
A hearing aid sits in or near your ear canal for hours each day. That warm, moist environment is where bacteria and fungi naturally grow. If you do not keep the device and your ear clean, or if the fit traps moisture against your skin, you can develop an infection — but the hearing aid is not the culprit. The problem is how it is used.
The most common issue is cerumen impaction — earwax buildup — which happens when a hearing aid blocks the ear canal and prevents wax from draining naturally. Trapped wax can irritate the skin and create a path for infection. A secondary problem is moisture: sweat, shower water, or humidity trapped under a poorly fitting device softens the skin in your ear canal, making it vulnerable to bacterial growth.
Infection risk rises sharply if you have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions in or around the ear, or if you have a perforated eardrum. People who wear hearing aids and have these conditions report more ear infections than those without them — not because the device causes the condition, but because it changes the ear's environment in ways that matter more when skin is already fragile.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing aids create a warm, moist environment that can promote bacterial growth if the device is not kept clean and dry.
- Earwax buildup under a hearing aid is the most common cause of ear discomfort and infection risk, not the device itself.
- A poor fit that traps moisture or blocks wax drainage significantly increases infection risk more than a well-fitted device.
- Daily cleaning of your hearing aid and your ear, plus keeping the device dry, reduces infection risk to levels comparable to not wearing one.
- If you have a skin condition like eczema or a perforated eardrum, tell your audiologist before fitting so they can adjust the device or recommend precautions.
How earwax buildup happens under a hearing aid
Your ear canal naturally produces earwax to protect and clean itself. Normally, wax moves outward and dries up as it travels toward the opening. A hearing aid blocks this path. Wax accumulates behind or around the device, hardens, and presses against the ear canal wall.
When wax is trapped, it can irritate the skin, cause itching and discomfort, and create a barrier that traps bacteria. The skin becomes inflamed and more prone to infection. This is not an allergic reaction to the hearing aid material — it is a mechanical problem caused by blockage.
The risk is higher with behind-the-ear (BTE) devices that sit deeper in the canal, and lower with receiver-in-canal (RIC) models that sit mostly outside. However, any hearing aid can cause wax impaction if you do not manage it. Your audiologist can show you how to remove buildup safely or recommend a cerumen management plan.
Moisture and sweat as infection risks
Hearing aids trap moisture. Sweat from physical activity, humidity from a shower or rain, or even normal ear canal moisture can get trapped under the device, especially if the fit is loose or the device is not removed regularly. That moisture softens the skin in your ear canal, a process called maceration. Softened skin is easier for bacteria to colonize.
The risk is highest in warm, humid climates or during summer months. People who exercise regularly or work in wet environments report more ear irritation when wearing hearing aids. The solution is not to stop wearing the device — it is to remove it during showers, dry your ear thoroughly before reinserting it, and use a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying container overnight.
Some people use a thin foam earplug or cotton ball coated lightly with petroleum jelly to block water during showers, though you should ask your audiologist whether this is safe for your specific device. Waterproof hearing aids exist and may be worth considering if moisture is a recurring problem.
Signs of an ear infection related to hearing aid use
Ear infections caused or worsened by hearing aid use typically show up as itching, redness, or tenderness in the ear canal — not deep inside the ear. You may notice discharge, a feeling of fullness, or mild pain when you touch the outer ear or insert the device. Some people report a faint smell or see debris on the hearing aid itself.
These symptoms are different from a middle ear infection (which causes ear pain, hearing loss, or fever). If you have pain deep inside your ear, fever, or sudden hearing loss, contact a doctor — that is not a hearing aid hygiene issue.
If you notice redness or irritation in the ear canal, remove the hearing aid and let your ear dry for a day or two. Clean the device thoroughly. If symptoms persist after three days, or if you see discharge or smell an odor, contact your audiologist or doctor. Do not try to treat it yourself with drops or home remedies without medical guidance, because some ear infections need specific treatment.
Daily cleaning and care to prevent infection
The single most effective way to prevent infection is to keep your hearing aid and your ear clean and dry. This means:
- Wipe the hearing aid with a dry cloth each time you remove it.
- Clean your outer ear and ear canal opening with a dry cloth or soft tissue — never insert anything into the canal itself.
- Use a hearing aid brush or pick (provided by your audiologist) to remove earwax from the device's microphone and receiver openings.
- Store the device in a dehumidifier or drying container overnight, especially in humid climates.
- Remove the hearing aid during showers and before bed.
- Wash your hands before handling the device.
- Replace the earpiece or dome regularly — most manufacturers recommend every three to six months, depending on the model.
If you have excessive earwax production, ask your audiologist about cerumen management tools or whether you should see an ear doctor for professional cleaning. Some people need professional wax removal every few months; others rarely need it. Your audiologist can assess your situation and recommend a schedule.
When a poor fit increases infection risk
A hearing aid that does not fit well is more likely to cause problems than one that fits snugly. A loose fit allows moisture to seep underneath. A tight fit can irritate the skin and block wax drainage. Both situations raise infection risk.
If your hearing aid feels uncomfortable, causes itching, or leaves red marks on your ear after a few hours, tell your audiologist. They can adjust the fit, change the earpiece size or style, or recommend a different device altogether. A proper fit should feel find but not tight, and you should be able to wear it for eight hours without discomfort.
Some people need time to adjust to a new device — mild itching or a sensation of fullness can fade after a week or two. But pain, redness that does not go away, or discharge is not normal and should be addressed when ready.
Special considerations if you have skin conditions or a perforated eardrum
If you have eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis in or around your ear, a hearing aid can irritate the area more than it would in someone without these conditions. The device traps moisture and heat, which can trigger flare-ups. Tell your audiologist about any skin condition before your fitting.
Your audiologist may recommend a different device style, a looser fit, or more frequent breaks from wearing the device. Some people with severe eczema benefit from a behind-the-ear model with a thin tube rather than an in-the-ear device, because less of the device sits inside the canal.
If you have a perforated eardrum, most hearing aids can still be worn, but the risk of infection is higher because bacteria can reach the middle ear more easily. Your audiologist and ear doctor should coordinate your care. You may need to be more vigilant about cleaning and drying, or you may need a device designed specifically for perforated eardrums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an ear infection from a new hearing aid?
A new device itself does not cause infection, but adjustment issues can. If the fit is not quite right, or if you are not yet used to keeping it clean, infection risk is higher in the first few weeks. Most people adjust without problems. If you develop itching or redness that lasts more than a few days, contact your audiologist for a fit adjustment.
What should I do if my ear itches while wearing a hearing aid?
Remove the device and let your ear air dry for a few minutes. Check the device for earwax buildup and clean it. If itching happens every time you wear the device, it may be a fit issue, earwax impaction, or a sign that you need to dry your ear more thoroughly before reinserting. Contact your audiologist if the problem continues.
Is it safe to use ear drops while wearing a hearing aid?
Most over-the-counter ear drops are not safe to use with a hearing aid in place, because they can damage the device. If you think you have an infection, remove the hearing aid, contact a doctor, and follow their instructions. Do not use drops without medical guidance.
How often should I have my ears professionally cleaned if I wear a hearing aid?
This depends on how much earwax you produce. Some people need professional cleaning every three months; others rarely need it. Your audiologist can assess your earwax production and recommend a schedule. If you notice buildup or discomfort, ask for a cleaning rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.
Can I prevent ear infections by wearing my hearing aid less often?
Wearing the device less often may reduce irritation, but it does not address the underlying cause. If you are getting infections, the problem is usually fit, moisture, or earwax management — not the amount of time you wear it. Work with your audiologist to solve the real issue rather than reducing use, which defeats the purpose of having the device.