male client and hearing aid
Hearing aid comfort

Do hearing aids hurt your ears?

Learn whether hearing aids can cause discomfort — and how to make them more comfortable with support from Miracle-Ear.

Hearing Aid Discomfort Explained

Hearing aids are powerful devices that are made to assist your hearing. However, a hearing aid that is painful to wear may discourage you from using it in the future. Since there are many benefits to good hearing, it’s better to continue wearing your hearing aid and find out what could be causing the pain. Learn more about hearing aid pain and how to make hearing aids more comfortable.

What causes hearing aid pain?

A hearing aid that fits you well should feel like it’s a part of your ear once you get used to wearing it. If a hearing aid is causing you problems, there’s likely something wrong with how the device is fitting in your ear. Here are some reasons why your hearing aid might be causing you pain:

Just like you would with a new pair of shoes, hearing aids need to be broken in when worn for the first time. You may not be used to having a device in your ear, so it will take some time to get adjusted to wearing them. When you get a new pair of hearing aids, try wearing them for a few hours every day to help you get used to how they feel. Avoid having them in for too long during your first week of use. Once you are more familiar with how the device feels, you can begin to wear it for longer periods of time.

It may also help to practice inserting and removing your hearing aids once you get them. Doing this in front of an audiologist might be helpful, as they can tell you if you are doing it wrong and provide you with tips on proper insertion. The audiologist can work with you until you can do it on your own easily.

A hearing aid that doesn’t properly fit your ears may just be the wrong size. Wearing a hearing aid that isn’t your size can feel tight or uncomfortable and cause painful pressure points to form in your ears. Getting the right pair that fits best for you may take some time, but your comfort and hearing health are important. Book an appointment with Miracle-Ear and work with a specialist to find a hearing aid that works best for you.

Hearing aids require proper maintenance. If your hearing aids are not cleaned on a regular basis, your ears may become infected and irritated. Make sure you are cleaning your hearing aids with the right tools and techniques, and store them in a dry, cool place when they are not being used.

Because the skin in the ear canal is very delicate, itchiness and irritation are common occurrences with hearing aid users. If you are experiencing any redness or itchiness around your hearing aid, you may be allergic to some of the materials that are used to make the device. Some hearing aid users have reportedly developed allergic reactions due to the plastic materials or acrylics in their ears. Talk to a dermatologist or hearing specialist to find out which materials will cause the least irritation.
Deborah hearing care story

Deborah's Miracle-Ear Story

From the state of New Jersey, Deborah shares how Miracle-Ear's cutting-edge hearing aids have transformed her life.

Better hearing shouldn’t be painful

Dealing with hearing loss is hard enough. When you’re making a change to improve your hearing, you shouldn’t have to deal with pain or irritation. Learn more about adjusting to life with hearing aids and visit your local Miracle-Ear Hearing Center to find the best hearing solution for you.

Having trouble with your hearing aids?

store outside
Find the Miracle Ear store closest to you
We’re here for you wherever you’re at home or traveling with experts at over 1,600 locations nationwide.
Find your nearest store
patient and audiologist inside store
Book a free appointment online
Join the millions of Americans who have trusted Miracle-Ear for hearing care that’s tailored for their needs.
Book an appointment
Audiologist and client inside store
Let our certified experts help you
For generations, we've been pioneering better hearing through our personalized approach to care and continued innovation.
More about our experts
people driving

Do you need more information? Contact us

Complete the form and someone from our team will reach out to you. With over 1,600 stores nationwide, we'll help you find the one closest to you.

Get support and advice

Book an appointment online

Book now

Take a free online hearing test

Start test

Find a hearing aid center near you

Search now