Hearing aids can be transformative, offering better communication and enhanced quality of life. When first beginning to use them, some users report headaches. Fortunately, in spite of the frustration, these headaches are often short-lived and are easily resolved with proper adjustments and care. We will now explore the causes for these headaches and how to resolve them.
The main reasons hearing aids result in headaches
- Poor Fitting:
If your hearing aid isn’t fitted correctly, it can press against sensitive parts of the ear, leading to pain and headaches. If headaches have started with your new hearing aid, the likely cause is a poorly fitted device. - A Rush of Sound:
Allow your brain time to adjust to the louder sound input. Sounds you didn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel overwhelming and cause a headache when you first hear them. The good news is that this phenomenon is usually temporary and should correct itself soon. - Excessive Volume Setting:
If hearing aids are too loud, the increased sound input can tire your auditory system, which can cause headaches. Try starting out at a lower volume and slowly increasing over time as you get used to your new level of hearing. - Feedback and Whistling:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and contribute to tension headaches. Contact your hearing specialist if your device is creating sounds that cause agitation or annoyance. - Adjustment Period:
Remember: Your brain must be given time to adapt to the use of your hearing aid. Headaches and other mild discomforts might be experienced by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-learns sound processing.
How to manage and avoid headaches
- Seek a Proper Fitting: Have your hearing aids professionally fitted to stop the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- Adjust Volume Gradually: Start with an easy volume level and gradually raise it to keep from overwhelming your auditory system.
- Modern hearing aids have features for background noise reduction. Consult your audiologist about adjusting the settings or upgrading the device if yours lacks this capability.
- Rest Your Ears and Brain: Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to avoid the onset of sensory exhaustion.
- Maintain regular check-ups with your hearing specialist for fine-tuning, particularly if you are feeling discomfort.
When to see a hearing specialist for your headaches
See an audiologist if the headaches persist after the initial adaptation time or if other symptoms– such as nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are accompanying them.
An underlying problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or wrong device settings might be suggested by headaches that persist.
A well-fitted hearing aid can improve your life
While hearing aid headaches can be frustrating, they’re usually temporary and are easily fixed with professional support. The correct hearing aid, correctly adjusted to fit your needs, can significantly enhance your quality of life without causing discomfort. Be sure to contact your audiologist if you have any issues, as your hearing health and comfort are essential! In the end, your hearing specialist knows that if your hearing aid is creating pain, you’ll likely stop wearing it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
Headaches as a result of hearing aids are nothing to worry about– they are just a temporary difficulty on the road to clearer hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with a few adjustments. You will quickly be back to enjoying music, conversations, and the small sounds of life with the right care and adjustments!
Schedule an appointment today if you are suffering from hearing-aid related headaches.
