Hearing aids can be life-changing, offering better communication and improved quality of life. Headaches can occur for some wearers during the initial period of using hearing aids. While this can be aggravating, the good news is that these headaches are generally short lived and simple to manage with the proper care and adjustments. We will next explore the causes for these headaches and how to resolve them.
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Poor Fitting:
Headaches and discomfort can arise if an ill-fitting hearing aid presses on sensitive areas of your ear. If headaches are occurring with your new hearing aid, the likely cause is a poorly fitted device. - A Rush of Sound:
Let your brain have time to adapt to the louder sound input. The initial sensation of hearing previously missed sounds, like background noise, can be intense and trigger headaches. The good news is that this reaction is usually temporary and should correct itself before long. - High Volume Settings:
If the hearing aids are set too loud, the increased auditory input can cause sensory fatigue, leading to headaches. Try beginning at a lower volume and gradually increasing over time as you acclimatize to your new level of hearing. - Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can irritate the ears and cause tension headaches. Talk to your audiologist if your device is making sounds that lead to agitation or annoyance. - Adjustment Period:
Don’t forget: Your brain must be given time to adapt to the use of your hearing aid. The brain will be re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment period, which can cause slight discomfort, including headaches.
Tips to prevent and treat headaches
- Get a Correct Fitting: Be certain your hearing aids are expertly fitted to avoid pressure points in your ear canal.
- Start at a comfortable setting and incrementally raise the volume to avoid overwhelming your hearing system.
- Newer hearing aids have features for background noise reduction. Consult your audiologist about adjusting the settings or getting a newer device if yours doesn’t have this capability.
- Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some respite throughout the day to prevent sensory exhaustion.
- Maintain Regular Contact: Keep in touch with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you feel discomfort from your device.
When you should consult a hearing care professional about your headaches
If the headaches continue beyond the initial adaptation period or are accompanied by other symptoms– such as dizziness, ear pain, or nausea– it’s time to see a hearing specialist.
Persistent headaches may indicate that you have wrong device settings or an unseen issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
How the correct hearing aid can improve your life
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are typically temporary and straightforward to fix with expert assistance, even though they can be frustrating. A properly fitted hearing aid that meets your individual needs can significantly improve your quality of life without causing any discomfort. If any issues arise, be sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are important! Your audiologist recognizes that pain from your hearing aid will likely make you stop wearing it.
Hearing aid-assosiated headaches
Do not worry if you’re experiencing headaches from your hearing aids– they are just a small hurdle on the path to better hearing. What you’re going through is common, and can likely be resolved with a few adjustments. The appropriate care and adjustments will have you back on track, enjoying the little sounds of life, music, and conversations quickly!
Schedule an appointment today if you are experiencing headaches due to your hearing aids.