It can be scary and stressful when a hearing aid dome gets stuck deep in the ear canal. A lot of people are worried about pain, damage, or losing their hearing. This happens more often than most people think, especially those who wear modern Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids. Knowing why it happens and what to do about it can help keep your ears and hearing safe.
What to do if a hearing aid dome gets stuck in your ear canal
A hearing aid dome is a small, soft piece of silicone that goes on the end of the hearing aid receiver. Its job is to fit snugly in the ear canal and send sound clearly. The dome can sometimes come off the hearing aid and stay in the ear canal instead of coming out with the device.
Things that might go wrong with you
People often notice changes right away when a dome gets stuck. There may be pain or discomfort inside the ear. A lot of people feel like their ear canal is blocked, like something is filling it up. Sometimes hearing can suddenly become muffled or completely blocked. Some people also hear ringing or buzzing sounds, which can make them feel more anxious. In a lot of cases, the emotional response, like panic or fear, is just as bad as the physical symptoms.
Why This Happens
There are several reasons why a hearing aid dome can get stuck. As time goes on, domes can get loose or worn out, which makes them less able to hold onto the receiver. If you use a dome that is too small for your ear canal, it is more likely to come off. The dome can also come off if you put the hearing aid in the wrong way or pull it out too quickly. Sometimes, a dry or oily ear canal makes it easier for the dome to come off. If the receiver wire is broken or not properly attached, it may also come loose from the dome.
Who Is More Likely to Be at Risk
This problem is more likely to happen to some users. People who have never used a hearing aid before may not be used to using their devices yet. People who use RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) hearing aids are more likely to have problems with the dome because it sits deeper in the ear canal. People who haven't been given the right instructions on how to use it, as well as people with narrow or curved ear canals, are also more likely to have this problem.
How to Get a Hearing Aid Dome Unstuck
What to Do Right Away
The most important thing is to keep your cool. When you panic, you might do things that aren't safe. Do not put your fingers, cotton swabs, tweezers, or any other sharp objects in your ear. These can push the dome deeper or hurt the ear canal. Don't use home remedies or ear drops, as they could make the problem worse or make it harder to get rid of. Trying to force the dome out can make it more likely that you will get hurt.
The Right and Safe Thing to Do
The safest and most effective solution is to visit a professional audiologist or an ENT doctor as soon as possible. Hearing care professionals have the right medical tools and experience to safely take off the dome. Most of the time, the dome can be taken off quickly and without pain. Getting rid of it professionally helps keep infections, scratches, and damage to the sensitive ear canal and eardrum from happening.
How to Stop This from Happening Again
Prevention begins with proper care and fitting. Always use the dome size that your audiologist suggests. Old domes lose their grip and elasticity, so you should change them often. Make sure the dome is firmly attached to the receiver before you put in your hearing aid. Take off the hearing aid slowly and carefully, without yanking it off. Regular follow-up visits let professionals check the fit, replace worn parts, and make sure your hearing aid is still safe to use.
Expert Opinion
People often come to HearUpUSA and explain how their hearing aid dome is stuck in their ear canal. This is most often the case when the fittings are loose, domes are old, and devices sometimes just won't conform to the anatomy of the user's ear canal.
Why hearing care professionals recommend Oticon hearing aids
Hearing care professionals choose Oticon hearing aids because they are guaranteed to be safe, comfortable, and secure. Oticon hearing aids are made with good quality receivers and domes that are unlikely to come unattached, reducing the risk of the dome getting stuck in the ear canal. In addition, Oticon hearing aids are made with good quality but soft plastics that allow the hearing aids to be held in position and remain comfortable for all day use.
If you need Oticon hearing aids promptly, call HearUpUSA, and book an appointment. If you have a stuck hearing aid dome or need to have a hearing aid dome changed to a better-fitting & safer option, we look forward to fitting you with the oticon hearing aids. Comfort is our goal.