Wax is good . . .
but not in Hearing Aids

 


Wax is 'good' because it is helpful for the health of the ear. However, it can cause huge problems with hearing aids. A high percentage of hearing aid malfunctions are caused by wax. Large amounts of research dollars have gone into systems for wax control, to keep the wax out of the inside of the hearing aid, in particular to keep it from blocking the sound coming out of the speaker.

Up until recently, the most common type of wax guard was the wire coil inserted into the receiver tubing, meant to catch the wax before it got too far inside the aid. This type of wax guard does work but clients have to come to the clinic to remove them when they get clogged.

 

There are some new types of wax guards that are replaceable by the hearing aid user. The NoWax system is a relatively large basket that fits down into the speaker tubing which is much larger. The size is an advantage as it is relatively easy to replace and easy for us to clean the receiver tubing. It is a disadvantage as some people have narrower ear canals and this size of tubing cannot fit into the hearing aid.

The Cerustop system is a smaller version of the NoWax system and thus fits into more ear canals. It is harder to replace because they are smaller.

 

The C-Guard system from Siemens has a basket with a clear membrane that fits into the tip of the hearing aid that allows sound through but prevents wax and moisture from penetrating. The C-Guard is relatively new but has great potential to be the most effective at reducing wax problems.

 

 

Wax is 'good' because it is helpful for the health of the ear. However, it can cause huge problems with hearing aids. A high percentage of hearing aid malfunctions are caused by wax. Large amounts of research dollars have gone into systems for wax control, to keep the wax out of the inside of the hearing aid, in particular to keep it from blocking the sound coming out of the speaker.

 

When considering the purchase of a hearing aid the audiologist considers the type of wax guard that will be best for you. There are many factors, including the amount and type of wax you produce, the size of your ear canal and your dexterity and vision for replacing the waxguard.

So, remember, that "wax is good, but not in hearing aids". If you have questions, please give us a call at either clinic.

 

Jencam