Hearing aids, especially those are used into the ear and also in the ear are known to cause problems of itchy ears. Some of the hearing aids that are mounted on top of the ear can also cause the same problem, but its chances are minimal. So, why does the ear itch and how to take care of it. The answer to both these have been elaborated below.
To start with, we will examine the types of hearing aids that are known to cause itchy ear. Post-auricular canal (PAC), in the canal (ITC), behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), completely in the canal (CIC) is known to cause some degree of itching in the ear. Now, since almost all types of hearing aids are known to cause itching, it is imperative to understand what actually cause it and what the remedial measures are. Some of the known reasons for detailed below.
Irritation of Fine Ear Hairs: The canal of the ear has a coating of fine ear hairs. These hairs remain undisturbed for the most part of life. There are no major roles of these hairs but when disturbed continually due to presence of the hearing aid, these hairs get irritated and cause itching. In some of the cases, these hairs get uprooted due to continuous use of hearing aid and at then the aid also cause certain level of irritation to the skin of the inner part of the ear canal. Under these conditions ear start itching and if unattended it can grow and also cause small wound in the canal, which however is generally observed in people who use hearing aids.
Allergy or Dry Ear: The substance, from which the hearing aid is made of, might be allergic to certain person. in general, the outer part of the aids are made of plastic and people with allergy from plastic can expect to suffer from itching caused due to reaction to plastic. Some people, who do not suffer from any such allergy, can also get the problem; however in such cases, the reason is dry ear.
Psychological or Skin problem: In some people normal skin problems can also arise due to use of hearing aids. So, when they suffer from Psoriasis or Eczema of the canal skin, itching tends to be quite normal. There remedy in such cases is to get the skin treated by a dermatologist. Moreover, some people when psychologically charged focus a lot on their sensations, which can get amplified and feel like a sensation of urge to itch. And this is true even for their ear canal. However, such cases are rare and gets over with time.
In all other cases, as a remedial measure, it is advisable to consult either a skin specialist or just talk to your audiologist. Sometimes if the hearing aids are poorly fit, the problem of itching can arise. And therefore, before, you try self medication, it is better to consult the experts as itching of ear can be easily taken care of, even without much treatment, except in case of Psoriasis and Eczema of the skin of the ear.
To start with, we will examine the types of hearing aids that are known to cause itchy ear. Post-auricular canal (PAC), in the canal (ITC), behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), completely in the canal (CIC) is known to cause some degree of itching in the ear. Now, since almost all types of hearing aids are known to cause itching, it is imperative to understand what actually cause it and what the remedial measures are. Some of the known reasons for detailed below.
Irritation of Fine Ear Hairs: The canal of the ear has a coating of fine ear hairs. These hairs remain undisturbed for the most part of life. There are no major roles of these hairs but when disturbed continually due to presence of the hearing aid, these hairs get irritated and cause itching. In some of the cases, these hairs get uprooted due to continuous use of hearing aid and at then the aid also cause certain level of irritation to the skin of the inner part of the ear canal. Under these conditions ear start itching and if unattended it can grow and also cause small wound in the canal, which however is generally observed in people who use hearing aids.
Allergy or Dry Ear: The substance, from which the hearing aid is made of, might be allergic to certain person. in general, the outer part of the aids are made of plastic and people with allergy from plastic can expect to suffer from itching caused due to reaction to plastic. Some people, who do not suffer from any such allergy, can also get the problem; however in such cases, the reason is dry ear.
Psychological or Skin problem: In some people normal skin problems can also arise due to use of hearing aids. So, when they suffer from Psoriasis or Eczema of the canal skin, itching tends to be quite normal. There remedy in such cases is to get the skin treated by a dermatologist. Moreover, some people when psychologically charged focus a lot on their sensations, which can get amplified and feel like a sensation of urge to itch. And this is true even for their ear canal. However, such cases are rare and gets over with time.
In all other cases, as a remedial measure, it is advisable to consult either a skin specialist or just talk to your audiologist. Sometimes if the hearing aids are poorly fit, the problem of itching can arise. And therefore, before, you try self medication, it is better to consult the experts as itching of ear can be easily taken care of, even without much treatment, except in case of Psoriasis and Eczema of the skin of the ear.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative article. There are few well-known Hearing Loss Clinic in Kolkata who provide hearing loss treatment in kolkata. Looking forward to more informative articles from you.
ReplyDeleteGreat information on Hearing Aid clinic in Kolkata , please suggest me good quality hearing machine brand.
ReplyDelete