Hearing Aids

On October 17, 2022, the FDA’s OTC hearing aids ruling went into effect, which lets more buy an affordable hearing aid without a medical exam, prescription, or professional fitting.

What are some hearing aid issues that result from ear wax [cerumen] buildup?

Hearing aid feedback are blocked from entering the ear, devices not fitting properly, ear discomfort, damage to the hearing aid and battery from moisture caused by excess ear wax.

Why are hearing aids associated with ear health issues?

Hearing aids can interfere with the natural cleaning of the ears by blocking the flow of earwax out of the ear. The same challenge has been seen with the use of an earmold with a cochlear implant.

What can you do about it?

Clean your hearing aid regularly with an OTC ear cleaning solution like EarClearRX, and ensure your healthcare practitioner is aware of your challenges.

Swimmers / Surfers

What is “Surfer’s Ear”?

Exostosis, sometimes referred to as surfer’s ear, occurs when there is abnormal bone growth within the ear canal. This thickening and constriction of the ear canal can lead to conduction hearing loss. Ear wax and other debris (sand) can become trapped in the canal, which can cause frequent ear infections. The most common cause of exostosis is cold water and windy conditions, which makes exostosis especially prevalent among surfers, outdoor swimmers, and divers. Conversely, “swimmer’s ear” is a bacterial or fungal infection in the ear canal which usually causes swelling and pain.

What can you do?

-Clear your ear safely

-Use ear drops

-Do not use Q-tips / cotton swabs

-Consider wearing a bathing cap

-Check with a doctor. Sometimes surgical intervention or special drying agents are required if left untreated.

Early Ear Infection Check [Otoscope Only]

A home ear examination can help detect many ear problems, such as ear infections, excessive earwax, or an object in the ear canal. This should never be conducted without the instruction of a physician to ensure proper and safe usage.

After receiving instructions and training from a doctor, home ear examinations can be helpful for parents of young children who frequently get ear infections and earaches. Sometimes a child may have an ear infection in which the only outward symptom may be fussiness, a fever, or tugging at the ear. A home ear examination may help reveal the cause of these symptoms but cannot replace direct examination from a qualified medical professional.