Offering better communication and a higher quality of life, hearing aids are usually transformative. Headaches can occur for some users during the first period of using hearing aids. Luckily, despite the frustration, these headaches are often short-lived and can be easily relieved with correct adjustments and care. We will next explore the reasons for these headaches and how to resolve them.
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Improper Fit:
Should your hearing aid lack a proper fit, it might exert pressure on sensitive areas of the ear, which may lead to headaches and general discomfort. If headaches are occurring with your new hearing aid, the likely cause is an improperly fitted device. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Let your brain have time to adjust to the louder sound input. Initially, hearing sounds you couldn’t hear before– such as background noise– can be overwhelming and induce headaches. However, this effect is should resolve over time. - High Volume Settings:
If hearing aids are too loud, the increased sound input can fatigue your auditory system, which can cause headaches. Start with a lower volume and slowly increase it as you get used to your new normal. - Feedback and Whistling:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and cause tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is making sounds that are causing agitation. - The Acclimation Phase:
It is important to remember that Your brain requires a period of time to adjust to your hearing aid. Headaches and other minor discomforts may be felt by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-learns sound processing.
Tips to manage and avoid headaches
- Have your hearing aids professionally fitted to stop the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- Start at a low setting and incrementally increase the volume to avoid overtaxing your hearing system.
- Activate Noise Filters: Background noise reduction features are standard in newer hearing aids. If your device is missing this, speak with your audiologist about adjusting the settings or upgrading the device.
- Rest Your Ears and Brain: Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to avoid the onset of sensory exhaustion.
- Maintain scheduled check-ups with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you are experiencing discomfort.
When you should contact a hearing care professional about your headaches
If the headaches continue beyond the initial adaptation period or are joined by other symptoms– like dizziness, ear pain, or nausea– it’s time to talk to a hearing specialist.
Continuing headaches may indicate that you have wrong device settings or an unseen issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
A well-fitted hearing aid can enhance your life
With professional assistance, headaches from hearing aids are usually temporary and simple to fix, despite being annoying. Properly adjusted to your needs, the ideal hearing aid can substantially improve your life without creating discomfort. Make sure to contact your audiologist if you have any problems, as your hearing health and comfort are essential! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is leading to pain, your audiologist knows you’re prone to stop wearing it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
Don’t panic if you’re experiencing headaches from your hearing aids– they are just a minor hurdle on the path to improved hearing. The issue you’re experiencing is common and likely needs only some simple tweaks to be resolved. The right care and fine-tuning will allow you to soon get back to enjoying conversations, music, and the subtle sounds of life.
Schedule an appointment today if you are dealing with headaches caused by your hearing aids.
