If you are one of the 28.8 million adults in the United States who could benefit from hearing aid use, you probably have a lot of questions about how to use them and whether or not they are the right option for you and your hearing loss.
You might wonder if they will make it easier for you to follow along in work meetings or make conversations sound clearer when you’re out with friends at Table 32.
On a more practical level, if you have your ears pierced, you may be wondering if that will affect your hearing aid fit.
Some Piercings May Affect Hearing Aid Use
Common ear piercings, such as those on the earlobes, should have no effect on wearing hearing aids or getting the proper hearing loss treatment should you need it. However, multiple piercings on the outer ear, also known as the pinna, could interfere with your hearing aid fitting well.
A poorly fitted hearing aid can cause issues that can make it challenging to get the most from your hearing aid. Possible problems include:
- Increased feedback, which is a whistling noise in your device
- Poor sound quality or volume control
- An increased risk of your hearing aid falling out and getting damaged.
Can an Infection from Ear Piercing Cause Hearing Loss?
An ear piercing will not cause permanent hearing loss. However, there is a small possibility that if your piercing gets infected, that infection could lead to a temporary loss of hearing as one of the symptoms. This is more likely to happen with piercings that are closer to the ear canal.
Follow all of the aftercare instructions following getting your ears pierced to reduce your risk of infection, and visit a doctor if you have symptoms like redness, tenderness or other signs of an infection.
How To Know What Hearing Aids Are Right for You
While it’s unlikely that having your ears pierced will play a large role in your hearing aid selection, there are still many other factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid that’s right for you.
After going over the results of your hearing test, you and your audiologist will work together to factor in your hearing needs, style and comfort preferences, living and work arrangements and even your hobbies to determine what hearing aids will give you the best listening experience.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today.