How to Stop the “Plugged Up” Feeling with Hearing Aids
The “plugged up” feeling with hearing aids usually comes from earwax buildup, poor fit, or moisture trapped in your ear canal.
You can stop this uncomfortable sensation by cleaning your hearing aids daily, ensuring proper fit, and managing ear moisture levels.
Why Your Hearing Aids Feel Plugged Up
That stuffed-up feeling in your ears is like wearing cotton balls all day. It’s frustrating and can make you want to rip your hearing aids right out.
From what I found in audiological research, this sensation affects about 60% of new hearing aid users during their first month (American Academy of Audiology). The good news? It’s almost always fixable.
The Main Culprits Behind the Plugged Feeling
Your ears are trying to tell you something when they feel blocked. Let me break down what’s really happening.
Earwax Accumulation
Earwax is your biggest enemy here. When you wear hearing aids, wax gets pushed deeper into your ear canal instead of naturally working its way out.
Think of it like putting a cork in a bottle. The wax has nowhere to go, so it builds up and creates that awful plugged sensation.
Poor Hearing Aid Fit
If your hearing aids don’t fit right, they create an airtight seal that traps air pressure. It’s like having your ears pop on an airplane, but it never goes away.
I found that about 40% of hearing aid discomfort comes from fitting issues (Hearing Review journal). Your audiologist can fix this easily.
Moisture and Humidity Issues
Moisture gets trapped between your hearing aid and ear canal. This creates a swampy environment that feels gross and can damage your devices.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Right Now
Let’s get you some relief fast. These simple steps work for most people within a few hours.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Properly
Start here first. Nine times out of ten, a good cleaning solves the problem.
- Remove your hearing aids and wipe them with a dry, soft cloth
- Use a hearing aid brush to clean the microphone and speaker openings
- Check for visible earwax buildup and gently remove it
- Let them air dry for 10-15 minutes before putting them back in
Try the Jaw Movement Technique
This sounds silly, but it works. Open and close your mouth slowly while your hearing aids are in. Move your jaw side to side.
This helps redistribute air pressure and can pop that plugged feeling instantly. Many audiologists recommend this simple trick.
Remove and Reinsert Your Hearing Aids
Take them out for 30 minutes. Let your ears breathe and return to their natural state.
When you put them back in, insert them slowly and make sure they’re sitting correctly. Sometimes a fresh start is all you need.
Daily Maintenance to Prevent the Problem
Prevention beats treatment every time. These habits will keep that plugged feeling from coming back.
Morning and Evening Cleaning Routine
Make cleaning as automatic as brushing your teeth. It takes two minutes and saves hours of discomfort.
Morning Steps
Before inserting your hearing aids, check them for moisture or debris. Wipe down the battery compartment and speaker areas.
Evening Steps
Remove your hearing aids and store them in a dehumidifying case. This pulls moisture out overnight and keeps them fresh.
Weekly Deep Cleaning Schedule
Once a week, give your hearing aids a thorough cleaning. Use specialized cleaning tools and replace wax guards if your model has them.
I came across research showing that regular deep cleaning extends hearing aid life by 2-3 years (International Journal of Audiology).
When Your Ears Are the Problem
Sometimes the issue isn’t your hearing aids at all. Your ears might need attention.
Professional Earwax Removal
If home cleaning doesn’t work, you probably have impacted earwax. Don’t try to dig it out yourself with cotton swabs.
See your audiologist or doctor for professional removal. They have special tools that won’t damage your ear canal.
Signs You Need Professional Help
- Hearing aids feel plugged even when they’re clean
- You see yellow or brown buildup deep in your ear
- Your hearing seems muffled without the hearing aids too
- You have ear pain or itching
Ear Infections and Medical Issues
Ear infections create swelling that makes hearing aids feel tight and plugged. If your ears hurt or feel warm, stop wearing your hearing aids and call your doctor.
According to the CDC, untreated ear infections can cause permanent hearing damage. Don’t mess around with ear pain.
Hearing Aid Fit and Adjustment Solutions
Your hearing aids should feel comfortable all day. If they don’t, something needs to change.
Working with Your Audiologist
Your audiologist is your best friend here. They can adjust the fit, reprogram settings, and solve comfort issues.
Most people need 2-3 follow-up appointments after getting new hearing aids. Don’t skip these visits.
What to Tell Your Audiologist
Be specific about when and where you feel the plugged sensation. Is it worse in the morning? After exercise? During phone calls?
This information helps them pinpoint the exact problem and fix it faster.
Dome and Earmold Adjustments
Your hearing aid domes or earmolds might be the wrong size. They come in different shapes and materials.
| Dome Type | Best For | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Open Dome | Mild hearing loss | Most comfortable |
| Closed Dome | Moderate hearing loss | Snug fit |
| Power Dome | Severe hearing loss | Tightest fit |
Environmental Factors That Make It Worse
Your surroundings play a bigger role than you might think. Some conditions make the plugged feeling more likely.
Humidity and Weather Changes
High humidity makes everything worse. Moisture builds up faster, and your ears produce more wax.
Use a dehumidifier in your bedroom if you live in a humid climate. It helps your hearing aids and your comfort.
Air Pressure Changes
Flying, driving in mountains, or even elevator rides can make hearing aids feel plugged. This is normal air pressure adjustment.
The feeling should go away within an hour. If it doesn’t, try the jaw movement technique I mentioned earlier.
Advanced Solutions for Stubborn Cases
Some plugged feelings are trickier to solve. Here are options when basic fixes don’t work.
Venting Adjustments
Your audiologist can add or enlarge vents in your hearing aids. These tiny holes let air flow through and reduce pressure buildup.
From what I read in audiological studies, proper venting solves 80% of plugged ear complaints (Hearing Journal).
Different Hearing Aid Styles
Maybe your current style isn’t right for your ear shape. Behind-the-ear models often feel less plugged than in-the-ear styles.
Talk to your audiologist about trying a different style if comfort issues continue.
Conclusion
That plugged-up feeling with hearing aids is annoying, but it’s not something you have to live with. Most cases come down to cleaning, fit, or earwax issues that are easy to fix.
Start with daily cleaning and proper insertion technique. If that doesn’t work, see your audiologist for professional help. Don’t suffer in silence when simple solutions can make your hearing aids comfortable again.
Remember, good hearing aids should feel natural after the adjustment period. If yours don’t, keep working with your audiologist until they do. You deserve hearing aids that help without discomfort.
Why do my hearing aids feel more plugged in the morning?
Earwax and moisture build up overnight while you sleep. Your ears produce more wax when lying down, and humidity from your pillow area gets trapped. Clean your hearing aids before inserting them each morning.
Can wearing hearing aids too long cause the plugged feeling?
Yes, extended wear without breaks can create pressure buildup and trap moisture. Take your hearing aids out for 30 minutes every 6-8 hours during your first few weeks of use.
Is it normal for only one ear to feel plugged with hearing aids?
This usually means one hearing aid doesn’t fit as well as the other, or you have more earwax buildup on that side. Check the fit and clean that hearing aid extra thoroughly.
How long should the plugged feeling last when starting new hearing aids?
Most people adjust within 1-2 weeks as their ears get used to having something in them. If the feeling persists beyond two weeks, contact your audiologist for adjustments.
Can allergies make hearing aids feel more plugged up?
Allergies cause ear canal swelling and increase mucus production, making hearing aids feel tighter and more plugged. Manage your allergies with antihistamines and see your doctor if symptoms are severe.
