Can You Wear Hearing Aids with Grommets?

Grommets are ventilation tubes that are placed into the eardrum to treat infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear. Generally used in children, grommets are designed to prevent fluid which can lead to hearing loss or impairment. 

So, is it possible to wear hearing aids with grommets? Yes, it is. However, there are a few things you should be aware of – whether it’s for you, or your child.

Wearing hearing aids with grommets comes with considerations for both you and your audiologist to determine the most appropriate course of action. If you suspect middle ear infections or fluid build-up and, as a result, are experiencing hearing loss – seeking advice from a professional audiologist is essential. 

What are grommets?

Grommets are small tubes that are put on the inside of the eardrum by an audiologist to stop fluid from building up in the ear. The small tubes allow air to pass through the eardrum, keeping the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum equal and allowing fluid to drain from the middle ear. Putting grommets in the ear is a minor procedure that often takes 30 to 45 minutes from beginning to end. 

Grommets are often used to treat fluid in the middle ear (known as ‘glue ear’) or to prevent recurring middle ear infections (otitis media). These issues can happen to people of all ages, including children. 

Can you wear hearing aids with grommets?

Yes, hearing aids can be worn with grommets. However, if you intend to wear hearing aids with grommets, it’s essential to consult with your audiologist before your grommet placement procedure. 

An audiologist can assess the condition of your ears and the severity of hearing loss to determine the placement of the grommets so they don’t interfere with your hearing aids. Hearing aids may also require modifications or adjustments to ensure they are compatible with the grommets and do not cause any issues. 

Attending regular audiologist checkups can help ensure the hearing aids and grommets are working effectively to help with hearing loss or middle ear issues. 

Is it common to wear hearing aids with grommets?

When wearing hearing aids or grommets, it’s often one or the other for glue ears. Glue ear is where the middle ear becomes filled with fluid, which can lead to hearing problems. The most common treatment for this is grommets. Grommets release the fluid from behind the ear drum (tympanic membrane) that is trapped in the middle ear cavity which should be an air filled space in a healthy middle ear.

Hearing aids are usually only recommended once a middle ear condition such as glue ear has been treated. Glue ear can resolve on its own, however it is best to get advice from your G.P. or an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist if the problem persists.

In some cases, individuals can wear their hearing aids whilst grommets are in place.

How long do grommets stay in?

Grommets usually stay in for six to 24 months, depending on the grommet’s size, shape, and material, as well as the shape of the individual’s ear. 

Eventually, the grommet will naturally fall out of the ear, often coming out with earwax. When this happens, it’s important to make an audiologist appointment to ensure there is no damage to the eardrum and to assess infection and fluid in the ear. 

To place the grommet in the ear, an ENT surgeon will make a tiny cut in the eardrum, remove all the fluid in the middle ear, and insert the grommet tubes in the middle ear. When the grommet falls out on its own, the tiny hole in the eardrum will usually heal by itself.

Individuals may require another set of grommets after the first ones migrate out if infections or fluid continues to build up. It is generally safe to have repeated sets of grommets up to two to three times. However, more than three times can cause the eardrum to weaken. As Audiologist or Specialist may recommend alternative measures like hearing aids. 

Recommendations for individuals with hearing aids and grommets

When wearing hearing aids with grommets, it’s more important than ever to keep the ears and hearing aids clean and dry to avoid infection and ear discharge.  

Cleaning ears with grommets

Individuals with grommets are required to clean their ears regularly to prevent damage to the tubes and the eardrum and canal. Your audiologist will provide specific instructions for cleaning your ears with grommets, which may include: 

• Ear drops: Using ear drops can soften earwax and avoid earwax build up around the grommet tubes. 
• Cleaning the outside of the ear: Gently clean the outside of the ear with a washcloth and warm water. Keeping the outside of the ear clean will help prevent dirt and build-up from entering the ear. 
• Not using cotton buds: Avoid putting anything in the ear canal, even cotton buds, as this can push earwax further down and may damage the grommet tubes. 
• Regular check-ups for maintenance: Scheduling regular check-ups will allow the audiologist to monitor the condition of the ear and the grommets. They can also use professional tools to remove excess wax without harming the grommet tubes. 

Keeping hearing aids clean

Keeping hearing aids clean will help their function, avoid damage, and prevent infection in the ear. The cleaning process can vary depending on the type of hearing aid, but some general steps to keep hearing aids clean include: 

• Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the visible parts of the hearing aid device. 
• Use a small picking tool to remove earwax lodged in the device. 
• Replace any domes or buds that sit in the ear canal with new ones. 
• Remove moulds and clean out the crevices. 
• Use a Dry and Clean Charger to sterilise and draw out moisture in the hearing aids, ear moulds, or receivers. 

Are there any alternative solutions to grommets and hearing aids?

There are alternatives to using grommets and hearing aids for treating glue ear or middle ear infections. These alternative treatments include: 

• Keeping an eye on it: Some cases of glue ear can heal by itself, so it can be worth waiting for three months while keeping an eye on it to see if it resolves on its own. 
• Nasal balloon device: For middle ear infections, an auto-inflation nasal balloon device can be used to force air into the area connecting the throat and middle ear to help ventilate. 
• Antibiotics: Middle ear infections not caused by a virus can be treated with antibiotics as an alternative treatment option. 
• Natural remedies: While natural remedies, like acupuncture, herbal blends, ear candling, and warm compression, can help alleviate symptoms – there is no clinical evidence to treat fluid or infections in the ear. 

For any of the above recommendations it is best to seek the advice of your G.P., Audiologist or Ear Nose and Throat Specialist (Otolaryngologist).