Key Takeaways
What to Do When Hearing Aids Get Stuck in the Ear
Most hearing aids that use ear domes can get stuck in the ear. Whenever this happens, the natural response for most users is to panic, and they want to insert their finger to fish out the stuck device or ear dome. Please don’t do this!
Immediate Steps to Take When Hearing Aid is Stuck in the Ear
| 1. | First, calm yourself. While it can be distressing to have a hearing aid or ear dome stuck in your ear, it usually won’t damage the ear canal or the eardrum. It will cause damage if left in the ear for too long. |
| 2. | Avoid trying to remove the stuck object yourself using tools like tweezers or cotton swabs. This can push it further into the ear canal and even cause injury. |
| 3. | Until the dome is removed, stop wearing your hearing aid. |
| 4. | Don’t let unqualified professionals around you try to get the stuck hearing aid or dome out. Instead, call an actual professional. |
| a. | Your first step should be to contact your audiologist or hearing aid provider. They have the appropriate tools and expertise to safely remove the stuck hearing device or ear dome. |
| b. | But if you experience pain, bleeding, or if the object is lodged particularly deeply, get immediate medical attention from an urgent care facility or an ENT specialist. |
What to Expect at the Appointment
| 1. | The healthcare professional will probably use special tools to get the hearing aid or dome out of your ear safely without hurting your ear canal or eardrum. It’s usually a quick and painless procedure. |
| 2. | After removal, they may check for any signs of injury or infection that could have happened while the object was stuck in your ear. |
Always prioritize professional assistance over DIY methods to avoid complications when removing a stuck hearing aid or ear dome in the ear.
Consequences of Hearing Aids Getting Stuck in the Ear
A stuck hearing aid or ear dome is usually a minor inconvenience, but leaving it in too long can damage the ear canal or eardrum - leading to infections or even bleeding if it presses against the eardrum.
If the ear canal develops inflammation, called acute otitis, you might suffer from the following symptoms:
If you don't treat the inflammation properly, it can permanently damage your ear canal or eardrum. If you have pain in or around your ear, see a doctor or ENT specialist right away.
Reasons for Hearing Aids Getting Stuck in The Ear
Hearing Aid Design
Generally, smaller hearing aids or hearing aids that use ear domes are the ones to get stuck in the ear. In some cases, open-fit hearing aids can get stuck as well.
Using larger-sized hearing aids or hearing aids without loose components can help prevent them from getting stuck.
Also Read: CICs (completely-in-canal hearing aids) sit entirely inside the ear canal, making them completely invisible. Learn how to choose the right one so that they fit your hearing loss level without getting stuck in your ear.
Wrong Size Domes
Many users prefer slightly larger domes for better sound, less wind noise, and a more secure fit.
However, oversized domes are more likely to get stuck in the ear because they’re wider than the ear canal. They can also trigger more earwax production, increasing the risk of sticking.
Choosing the right size dome helps avoid these issues.
Using the Same Ear Dome Longer
Reusing ear domes increases the risk of them getting stuck, as older domes lose their grip and may detach from the hearing aid speaker during removal.
To prevent this, replace ear domes every three months and ensure they are securely pressed onto the speaker. You must also replace hearing aid tubes every six months as they harden and discolor over time.
At Nano Hearing Aids, we offer hearing aid accessories like ear domes of varying sizes so that you get the perfect fit.
Wrap Up
Getting a hearing aid or ear dome stuck in the ear can be scary but usually isn’t harmful short-term. Stay calm and consult a professional for removal as soon as possible.
To prevent this unfortunate event from happening altogether, choose hearing aids with multiple ear dome options. This allows you to find the right fit and replace domes regularly.
Nano Hearing Aids offer FDA-registered OTC hearing devices with various dome sizes, making it easier to find a secure and comfortable fit while reducing the risk of the device getting stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Stay calm and avoid using tools like tweezers or cotton swabs, as they can push the hearing aid further in or cause injury. Contact an audiologist or ENT specialist immediately for safe removal.
Hearing aid domes can get stuck due to improper size, loose fittings, or wear and tear. Use the correct size and replace ear domes every three months to prevent this issue.
Nano Hearing Aids provide hearing aids with multiple dome sizes - so that you can find a secure, comfortable fit. We also offer replacement domes and accessories for you to maintain your hearing aids properly.