Hearing Aid Hurts Your Ear? Comfort Solutions

A hearing aid should never cause pain. If your hearing aid is hurting your ear, something needs to be adjusted. Ear pain from a hearing aid is not normal and should not be ignored, as it can lead to skin irritation, infections, or cause you to stop wearing your device altogether.

The good news is that most comfort issues can be resolved with simple adjustments. Let us explore the common causes of hearing aid discomfort and how to fix them.

Common Causes of Hearing Aid Ear Pain

Poor Ear Mold Fit

The most common cause of pain is an ear mold or shell that does not fit properly. If the mold is too large, it presses against the walls of your ear canal. If it has a sharp edge or rough surface, it can irritate the delicate skin inside your ear. Custom ear molds should be remade if they cause persistent discomfort. Our audiologists use precise ear impression techniques to ensure a comfortable, accurate fit.

Wrong Dome Size

For RIC hearing aids that use silicone domes instead of custom molds, using the wrong dome size causes problems. A dome that is too large puts pressure on the ear canal walls. A dome that is too small may shift position and poke the ear canal. Your audiologist can quickly try different dome sizes to find the most comfortable fit.

Incorrect Insertion

Many new hearing aid users insert their device incorrectly, which leads to discomfort. The hearing aid or ear mold should slide in smoothly without forcing. If you have to push hard to get it in, something is wrong. Ask your audiologist to demonstrate the proper insertion technique and practice it in front of them.

Skin Sensitivity or Allergies

Some people develop skin reactions to the materials used in ear molds. Standard acrylic molds can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you notice redness, itching, or rash where the hearing aid contacts your skin, you may need a hypoallergenic ear mold made from medical-grade silicone or titanium.

Solutions for Each Type of Discomfort

• Top of Ear Soreness (BTE): The hearing aid hook may be pressing against the top of your ear. Your audiologist can bend the hook or add a comfort tip to reduce pressure.
• Ear Canal Pain: The mold or dome needs resizing. Do not continue wearing a device that causes canal pain as it can lead to skin breakdown.
• Behind-the-Ear Skin Irritation: Clean the area behind your ear daily. Use a thin comfort sleeve over the hearing aid body if friction is the issue.
• Jaw Pain When Wearing Hearing Aids: Your ear canal changes shape when you chew or talk. A slightly smaller mold with a better vent may resolve this.

Breaking In a New Hearing Aid

New hearing aid users should follow a gradual wearing schedule to allow their ears to adjust:

• Week 1: Wear for 2-4 hours per day in quiet environments.
• Week 2: Increase to 4-6 hours, adding moderately noisy settings.
• Week 3: Wear for 6-8 hours including varied environments.
• Week 4: Full-day wear should feel comfortable by now.

Choosing the Most Comfortable Hearing Aid Style

If comfort is your top priority, certain hearing aid styles tend to be more comfortable than others. Click CIC (Silk) hearing aids use soft silicone click sleeves that adapt to your ear canal shape, offering excellent comfort without custom molds. RIC hearing aids with open domes allow airflow into the ear canal, reducing the plugged-up feeling that bothers some users.

For users with sensitive ears, the Signia BTE range keeps most of the device behind the ear with only a thin tube entering the canal, minimizing ear canal contact and maximizing comfort.

No matter which style you choose, proper fitting by a qualified audiologist is the single most important factor in hearing aid comfort. Visit our clinic for a professional fitting that ensures your hearing aid feels good all day long.