Wearing Hearing Aids With an Ear Infection: What You Need to Know

If you rely on hearing aids, an ear infection can be worrying. You may wonder whether wearing hearing aids with an ear infection is safe, if you should stop using them, and how to protect your ears while they heal. Understanding how infections affect your ears—and how your hearing aids fit into that picture—can help you stay comfortable and avoid complications.

How Ear Infections Affect Hearing

An ear infection happens when bacteria, viruses, or fungi cause inflammation in the ear. Depending on where it occurs, you might notice different ear infection symptoms and hearing loss patterns.

Types of ear infections

• Outer ear infection (otitis externa): Often called “swimmer’s ear,” this affects the ear canal and can cause pain, swelling, redness, and drainage.
• Middle ear infection (otitis media): This affects the space behind the eardrum and can lead to earache, pressure, temporary hearing loss, and sometimes fever.
• Inner ear irritation or inflammation: Less common, but can cause dizziness, balance problems, and changes in hearing.

Common symptoms to watch for

Ear infections can look a bit different from person to person, but often include:

• Ear pain or a feeling of fullness or pressure
• Redness or swelling in the ear canal
• Fluid, pus, or discharge coming from the ear
• Temporary muffled hearing or difficulty hearing
• Itching or burning in the ear
• Fever, especially in children
• Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus), which can sometimes flare during an ear infection

If you notice a sudden change in hearing, strong pain, or drainage from the ear, contact a medical provider promptly.

Do Hearing Aids Cause Ear Infections?

Many people worry: do hearing aids cause ear infections? Hearing aids themselves do not directly cause infections, but they can contribute to conditions that make infections more likely if they are not used and cared for properly.

How hearing aids can increase infection risk

• Trapped moisture: Hearing aids, especially in-the-ear styles, can trap sweat, water, or humidity in the ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment where germs can grow.
• Skin irritation: Poor fit, rough edges, or certain materials can lead to hearing aids causing ear irritation. Irritated or broken skin is more vulnerable to infection.
• Germs on the device: Hearing aids that are not cleaned regularly can carry bacteria or debris that may irritate the ear canal.

When hearing aids are usually safe

With proper hearing aid cleaning and maintenance, most people can wear their devices daily without problems. Regular care reduces buildup of wax and germs and helps keep the skin of the ear canal healthy. If you notice any changes—pain, irritation, or unusual discharge—pause and talk with your hearing care provider or medical professional.

Wearing Hearing Aids During an Ear Infection

Whether you should continue wearing hearing aids during ear infection treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, your symptoms, and your provider’s advice.

Should I remove hearing aids with infection?

Many people ask, “Should I remove hearing aids with infection, or can I keep using them?” There is no one answer that fits everyone, but some general principles apply:

• Severe pain or swelling: If inserting the hearing aid hurts or feels tight, remove it and contact your provider.
• Drainage from the ear: If you see fluid, pus, or blood, do not wear the hearing aid in that ear until a medical professional evaluates you and gives specific instructions.
• Open sores or skin breakdown: Avoid wearing the device in an ear with cracked, bleeding, or weeping skin until it has healed or your provider clears you.
• Mild discomfort only: If your provider says it is safe and you feel only mild pressure, you may be able to continue wearing the aid with adjustments, such as shorter wear time.

Always follow the guidance of your physician, ENT specialist, or audiologist. They can tell you if it is safe to keep your hearing aids in, or if you need a temporary break while your ear heals.

Tinnitus during ear infection

Some people notice tinnitus during ear infection episodes, even if they already wear hearing aids for ringing in the ears. Swelling, fluid, and pressure in the middle or outer ear can change how sound travels and how your brain interprets it. If tinnitus worsens suddenly, or you have new tinnitus along with dizziness or a big drop in hearing, let your provider know.

Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance When You Have an Infection

Good hearing aid cleaning and maintenance is always important, but it is especially critical when you have, or recently had, an ear infection. This helps protect your ears and keeps germs from spreading.

Clean your hearing aids more often

• Wipe the devices daily with a clean, dry, soft cloth or a hearing aid wipe recommended by your provider.
• Remove visible earwax from ports and openings using the tools that came with your aids. Do not insert sharp objects into the device.
• Replace wax guards and filters as instructed by your hearing care professional.

Let devices dry properly

• Open the battery door (for non-rechargeable models) when not in use to allow moisture to escape.
• Use a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying box if recommended, especially in humid climates or if you sweat heavily.
• Never use a hair dryer, microwave, or oven to dry hearing aids.

Keep ears and devices separate when needed

• If your ear is actively draining, do not insert the hearing aid into that ear unless your doctor specifically says it is safe.
• Store your hearing aids in a clean, dry case away from bathrooms or damp areas.
• If only one ear is infected, keep track of which device goes in which ear so you do not transfer germs.

Protecting Your Ears While Staying Connected

For many people, going without hearing aids—even for a short time—can make communication difficult. If your provider recommends that you stop wearing hearing aids with an ear infection temporarily, there are ways to stay as connected as possible:

• Let others know: Tell family, friends, and coworkers that your hearing might be reduced while your ear heals.
• Ask for simple changes: Request face-to-face conversations, slower speech, and repetition when needed.
• Use other tools: If appropriate for you, consider captioned phones, speech-to-text apps, or written notes during this time.
• Stay in touch with your provider: Ask when it is likely to be safe to start using your hearing aids again and whether any fit adjustments are needed afterward.

When to Seek Medical or Hearing Care Help

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you experience:

• Severe ear pain, pressure, or swelling
• Sudden or significant hearing loss
• Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear
• Fever, chills, or feeling unwell along with ear symptoms
• Dizziness, balance problems, or nausea
• Persistent tinnitus that suddenly worsens

Also reach out to your audiologist or hearing care professional if:

• Your hearing aids suddenly feel uncomfortable or painful
• You notice redness, soreness, or irritation where the device touches your ear
• Your aids seem to trap moisture or make your ears feel “clammy”
• You are unsure how to clean or care for your devices during an infection

Key Takeaways on Wearing Hearing Aids With an Ear Infection

Wearing hearing aids with an ear infection is sometimes possible and sometimes not, depending on your specific situation. Hearing aids do not directly cause infections, but poor fit, trapped moisture, and inadequate cleaning can raise your risk or worsen irritation. If you suspect an ear infection, get medical advice promptly and follow your provider’s guidance on when to remove your hearing aids, how to clean them, and when it is safe to start wearing them again.

With careful attention to your ear health and consistent hearing aid maintenance, you can protect your ears, support healing, and continue to hear your world as clearly and comfortably as possible.