Hearing aids are frequently life-changing, resulting in superior communication and a higher quality of life. When first beginning to use them, some users experience headaches. While this can be frustrating, the good news is that these headaches are generally temporary and simple to manage with the proper care and adjustments. Here, we’ll investigate the causes of these headaches and the best ways to address them!
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- When the Fit is Wrong:
If your hearing aid isn’t adjusted correctly, it can put pressure on sensitive parts of the ear, resulting in discomfort and headaches. If you just got a new hearing aid and you’re experiencing headaches, an ill-fitting device is probably to blame. - Sound Overload:
The brain needs a period to adapt to the increased volume of sounds it is processing. The initial experience of hearing previously missed sounds, like background noise, can be overwhelming and trigger headaches. Fortunately, this phenomenon typically resolves on its own in a short time. - High Volume Settings:
Headaches might occur if the volume setting is too loud, as the extra sound input can cause fatigue in the auditory system. You should attempt to start with a lower volume and then incrementally raise it as you adjust to the changed auditory input. - Feedback and Whistling:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and cause tension headaches. If your device is making irritating sounds, reach out to your audiologist. - Time to Adapt:
Your brain requires time to adapt to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. The brain will be re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment period, which can cause minor discomfort, including headaches.
Tips to manage and avoid headaches
- Have your hearing aids expertly fitted to prevent the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- Gradually Adjust the Volume: Begin at a low volume and incrementally increase it to avoid overtaxing your auditory system.
- Background noise reduction features are common 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 prevent the onset of sensory exhaustion.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Maintain scheduled check-ups with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you are experiencing discomfort.
Recognizing when to contact your audiologist for headaches
It’s time to seek advise from a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment or if they come with other symptoms, like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
An underlying problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or wrong device settings may be suggested by headaches that continue.
A well-fitted hearing aid can enhance your life
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are typically temporary and easy to manage with professional assistance, though they can be annoying. Without causing discomfort, the correct hearing aid, properly adjusted to your needs, can significantly boost your quality of life. Reach out to your audiologist if you run into any problems; your hearing health and comfort matter! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is causing you pain, your audiologist knows you’re prone to stop wearing it.
Hearing aid-related headaches
Headaches from hearing aids are common– they are just a minor setback on the road to clearer hearing. What you’re experiencing is common, and can likely be resolved with a few modifications. The right care and adjustments will have you back on track, enjoying the little sounds of life, music, and conversations in short order!
Schedule an appointment today if you are experiencing hearing-aid related headaches.