With their ability to improve communication and quality of life, hearing aids are a significant asset. Yet, a few people get headaches when they first begin wearing hearing aids. Although this might be aggravating, it is a good thing that these headaches are usually temporary and easy to handle with appropriate care and fine-tuning. Let’s dive into why these headaches happen and how to prevent or treat them!
The main reasons hearing aids lead to headaches
- When the Fit is Wrong:
If your hearing aid isn’t adjusted correctly, it can press against delicate parts of the ear, leading to pain and headaches. If headaches have started with your new hearing aid, the likely cause is an improperly fitted device. - Sound Overload:
It takes time for your brain to acclimate to processing the amplified sound signals. Initially, hearing things you previously couldn’t– like background noise– can feel overwhelming and cause headaches. However, this sensation should resolve on its own before long. - High Volume Settings:
Headaches might result if the volume setting is too loud, as the increased sound input can cause fatigue in the auditory system. Try beginning at a lower volume and gradually raising over time as you acclimatize to your new level of hearing. - High-Pitched Sounds:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and cause tension headaches. Contact your hearing specialist if your device is making sounds that cause 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 lead to minor discomfort, including headaches.
Tips to prevent and treat headaches
- Ensure a Professional Fit: Be certain your hearing aids are expertly fitted to eliminate any pressure points inside your ear canal.
- Volume Adjustment is Key: begin at a low setting and incrementally increase the volume to avoid overtaxing your hearing system.
- Newer hearing aids include features for background noise reduction. Ask your audiologist about adjusting the settings or getting a newer device if yours doesn’t have this capability.
- Scheduled Breaks: Give your brain and ears time to rest during the adjustment period to prevent sensory fatigue.
- Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, specifically if you feel discomfort from your device.
When to see a hearing specialist for your headaches
It’s time to see an audiologist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Continuing headaches might indicate that you have wrong device settings or an underlying issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
A well-fitted hearing aid can improve your life
Headaches caused by hearing aids are usually temporary and easy to resolve with expert help, even though they can be annoying. Without leading to discomfort, the right hearing aid, customized to your needs, can substantially improve your quality of life. If any issues occur, be sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are essential! Your audiologist recognizes that pain from your hearing aid is likely to cause you to stop wearing it.
A Common Side Effects
Headaches from hearing aids are common– they are just a minor setback on the road to clearer hearing. Your experience is common, and some simple modifications can most likely fix the issue. The right care and adjustments will have you back on track, enjoying the small sounds of life, music, and conversations in short order!
If you are experiencing headaches related to your hearing aid, book an appointment now.
