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Related Experiment Videos

Allergic contact dermatitis from hearing aid materials.

Apra Sood1, James S Taylor

  • 1Section of Industrial Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic, Occupational, Drug
|December 3, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Hearing aid use can cause ear canal dermatitis due to acrylic materials. Patch testing identified specific acrylic allergens, leading to resolution with alternative hearing device recommendations.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Allergology
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Hearing aids are commonly used devices for individuals with hearing loss.
  • Custom-molded hearing aids fit within the ear canal, potentially leading to skin reactions.
  • Contact dermatitis is a known complication associated with medical devices.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old woman developed dermatitis in the ear canal after using custom-fit hearing aids.
  • The dermatitis symptoms appeared shortly after the introduction of the new hearing aids.
  • The patient experienced discomfort and visible skin inflammation within the ear canal.

Findings:

  • Patch testing revealed positive reactions to several acrylic monomers, including polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate.

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  • The hearing aid shell material and its finish coat were identified as causative agents.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis was confirmed as the diagnosis.

    • Implications:

    • Identifying specific allergens in hearing aid materials is crucial for managing device-related dermatitis.
    • Alternative hearing aid designs, such as behind-the-ear devices with silicone earpieces, can prevent recurrence.
    • This case highlights the importance of considering biomaterial composition in device-induced skin reactions.