Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. These tiny devices collect and amplify speech and surrounding sounds to bring the wearer clear communication and background awareness. Whether you’ve been wearing hearing aids for years or just got your first pair, you may have noticed that your devices can bring on a “plugged up” feeling, also described as a fullness or blockage in the ears.
That plugged-up sensation, known as the occlusion effect, can be frustrating, but understanding its causes and how to prevent it can lead to much-needed relief. Let’s explore some common reasons for this feeling and what steps you can take to avoid it.
Why Does the Occlusion Effect Occur?
The occlusion effect happens when sounds you produce, like talking, chewing or swallowing, seem amplified or hollow when wearing hearing aids or in-ear headphones. This arises when the ear canals are completely blocked or sealed.
When you chew your favorite Sotto Mare meal, sound vibrations naturally escape through your open ear canal. But when hearing aids block the ear canal, these sounds bounce back, making them seem louder.
How Can You Prevent the Occlusion Effect?
A few ways you can help prevent the occlusion effect include:
- Clean your devices. Wax buildup can block the ear canal and lead to occlusion. Clean your devices nightly with a wax removal kit and schedule regular professional cleaning to keep your sound clear. If your ears produce excessive wax, talk to your audiologist about regular ear cleanings or home removal options like wax dissolving drops. Never attempt to remove earwax at home without consulting with your audiologist. Improper removal can lead to eardrum damage and earwax impaction.
- Check the fit. Improper fit can lead to irritation and occlusion. If you feel the fit or positioning is wrong, schedule an appointment with your audiologist.
- Adjust your amplification. When your hearing aid amplification is too high, it can give the illusion of a blocked eardrum. Try adjusting the amplification of your devices through your smartphone app.
- Consider open domes. Closed domes create a complete seal around your ear canal, providing maximum sound amplification but potentially leading to occlusion. Open hearing aid domes allow noise to filter through, reducing the occlusion effect and improving sound quality. If occlusion is a common problem, talk to your provider about your dome options.
If your ears feel plugged up, discussing your options with one of our specialists is the first step toward relief. Contact San Francisco Audiology today to make an appointment.