As we age, hair starts to grow in places we never expected, and often in abundance. Although it’s an awkward topic for many men, addressing excess ear hair is crucial, especially if you’re using hearing aids.
Excess ear hair can significantly impact the performance of your hearing devices.
Understanding Ear Hair: Its Purpose and Types
Ear hair comes in two varieties, each serving a unique function:
- Vellus Hairs: These are fine, non-pigmented hairs similar to peach fuzz. They grow on the outer portion of the ear. With age, these hairs can grow longer and thicker, becoming more noticeable.
- Tragi Hairs: Named after the Latin word for "goat" (tragos), these are thicker and stiffer hairs found in the outer ear canal. These hairs are more common in men and can become quite prominent as we age. Ear hair helps protect the ear canal by filtering out dust and debris and preventing insects from entering the ear. However, excessive tragi hairs can lead to several issues with hearing aids.
The Impact of Excessive Ear Hair on Hearing Aids
Thick and abundant ear hair can interfere with your hearing aids in several ways:
Interference With Ear Impressions:
For custom earmolds, your audiologist needs a clear impression of your ear canal. Excess tragi hairs must be trimmed to get an accurate impression.
Hearing Aids Won’t Fit Properly:
Thick ear hair can prevent earmolds and hearing aids from fitting snugly. This may cause the devices to feel loose and require constant adjustment.
Poor Acoustic Seal:
A proper acoustic seal is essential for hearing aid performance. Excess ear hair can compromise this seal, reducing the effectiveness of your hearing aids.
Increased Earwax Buildup:
Excessive ear hair can trap earwax, leading to buildup that can block sound and reduce the performance of your hearing aids.
Managing Excessive Ear Hair
Managing ear hair is vital for getting the most out of your hearing aids. Here are some safe and effective methods:
- Use Appropriate Tools: Avoid using pointed scissors, nail clippers, or wax for ear hair removal. Plucking with tweezers is also not recommended. Instead, use round-tipped scissors or ear/nose hair trimmers designed for this purpose.
- Consider Professional Help: Seeing into your ears to trim hair effectively can be challenging. You might need to ask for assistance. For a more permanent solution, consider laser hair removal. This procedure is safe and painless, and it can be a worthwhile investment when done by a licensed professional.
Enhance Your Hearing Aid Performance With Professional Care
We understand the importance of maintaining your hearing aids in optimal condition. If excess ear hair, earwax, or other issues are affecting your hearing aid performance, our team is here to help.
Schedule a consultation with us today to ensure you’re getting the most out of your hearing aids.
Your hearing health is our top priority.
