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Do Hearing Aids Hurt?

Although hearing aids are beneficial for people with hearing issues, various complications can arise, including ear tragus pain. Discomfort is one of the main reasons people say they’ve stopped wearing their hearing aids, and it’s understandable. However, the culprit of your pain could be unrelated to your hearing aid, or it could be due to an incorrect size or shape for your ear.

Are Your New Hearing Aids Hurting Your Ears?

People commonly experience discomfort when wearing a new hearing aid. It can take time to adjust to wearing a device in your ear. Common side effects that you might experience with new hearing aids include:

  • Unable to hear properly
  • Headaches
  • Skin irritation
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Soreness around the ears
  • Itchy ear canal
  • Excessive feedback

What Are the Main Causes of Hearing Aid Pain?

Once you get used to wearing your hearing aid, it should feel natural and virtually unnoticeable. If you notice any pain or discomfort, it might be because you’re not used to wearing hearing aids yet.

However, if you notice side effects long after you break in your new hearing aids, it another issue might be causing them.

The main causes of pain from hearing aids include:

  • Material – Some materials can cause an allergic reaction. You should consult your doctor about switching to hearing aids with a different material.
  • Fit – The device you wear might not fit perfectly in your ear. If it’s too big, it can cause discomfort. If it’s too small, it could fall out of your ear.
  • Adjustment – Your provider can adjust the shape of your earmold if it's slightly distorted and causes discomfort.
  • Irritation – Pressure points occur when a hearing aid presses against a ridge or bump in the ear. This can cause skin irritation.
  • Maintenance – Like other medical devices, hearing aids require regular maintenance. You must clean them regularly and store them in a cool, dry place whenever you don’t wear them. Dirty hearing aids can cause infections and irritation.

If you're wondering, "why does my tragus hurt?" it's crucial to see your hearing professional immediately to find a remedy for your pain.

Tips on How to Wear Hearing Aids without Pain

Discomfort or pain is a commonly-reported issue with hearing aids. The reason for the pain you feel might not be related to the wrong material or ill-fitting mold. You might need to break them in before they start to feel comfortable. It can take a while to get used to having a new device in your ear despite how small or technologically advanced it is.

You can follow various tips to avoid pain while wearing your hearing aids, such as:

  • Gradually increase how long you wear your hearing aids each day
  • Wear your hearing aids in quiet environments first and gradually expose yourself to more sounds and noises
  • Attend all follow-up appointments with your hearing provider for necessary adjustments to the material, fit, or another source of pain
  • Practice communicating with others
  • Ask your doctor to monitor how you insert your hearing aids to ensure you position them correctly every day
  • Buy the appropriate cleaning tools to maintain your hearing aids
  • Leave the customized settings alone while you adjust to using hearing aids

How Hear.com Can Help You

Hear.com provides quality hearing loss solutions from a team of experienced and dedicated professionals. Our devices offer superior comfort, nearly invisible design, and the best speech clarity you can find. They also allow smartphone connectivity so you can hear music, make phone calls, and stream your favorite shows. You can depend on us to help you find the right hearing aids, so your hearing loss doesn't stop you from living a full life.

Get Assistance from an Experienced Audiologist Near Your Location

If you are experiencing concha ear pain or other complications from your hearing aids, talk to an experienced hearing loss professional right away. The team at hear.com is here to help you find the customized hearing aid options that will meet your needs. Don’t wait to find a solution to better hearing. Complete our online quiz to determine if you qualify for a no-risk trial.

Dr. Emily Smith

Dr. Emily Smith is a lead audiologist at hear.com, a global leader in hearing care and the largest online retailer of medical-grade hearing aids. Dr. Smith graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and has performed hundreds of Teleaudiology appointments to help people find greater access to hearing healthcare. Outside of audiology, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time hiking, skiing, and traveling with her friends and family, and has two dogs, Baxter and Piper.

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