Providing better communication and an enhanced quality of life, hearing aids are usually life-altering. When first beginning to use them, some users report headaches. While this can be aggravating, the good news is that these headaches are usually temporary and simple to manage with the right care and adjustments. Let’s explore why these headaches happen and how to prevent or treat them!
The main reasons hearing aids cause headaches
- Poor Fitting:
Should your hearing aid lack a proper fit, it might put pressure on vulnerable areas of the ear, which may lead to headaches and general discomfort. If you just purchased a new hearing aid and you’re experiencing headaches, a poorly fitted device is likely to blame. - Sound Overload:
It takes time for your brain to acclimate to processing the louder sound signals. Initially, perceiving sounds you didn’t hear before– like background noise– can be too much and trigger headaches. However, this effect should self-correct before long. - Excessive Volume Setting:
Setting the volume too high can result in auditory fatigue from the excessive input, thereby triggering headaches. Begin with a lower volume and gradually increase it as you get used to your amplified hearing. - Feedback and Whistling:
Tension headaches can be caused by a high-pitched whistling sound or feedback that is produced by your hearing aids and bothers your ears. Be sure to talk to your hearing specialist if your device is producing any sound that leads to agitation. - Adjustment Period:
Your brain needs time to become accustomed to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. Headaches and other slight discomforts may be felt by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-calibrates 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.
- Raise Volume Slowly: Start with an easy volume level and slowly raise it to prevent taxing your auditory system.
- Use Noise Filters: Contemporary hearing aids come with background noise reduction features. If your device doesn’t include this, ask your audiologist about upgrading or adjusting the settings.
- Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some respite throughout the day to prevent sensory exhaustion.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Maintain scheduled check-ups with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you are feeling discomfort.
Recognizing when to contact your audiologist for headaches
You should consult a hearing specialist if the headaches persist past the initial adjustment phase or if they are coupled to other symptoms, such as ear pain, dizziness, or nausea.
Continuing headaches may signal that you have wrong device settings or an underlying issue, including a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
How the correct hearing aid can improve your life
While hearing aid headaches can be frustrating, they’re usually temporary and can be easily fixed with professional support. Properly adjusted to your needs, the right hearing aid can vastly improve your life without creating discomfort. Make sure to call your audiologist if you have any issues, as your hearing health and comfort matter! Your audiologist understands that pain from your hearing aid is likely to cause you to stop wearing it.
Hearing aid-related headaches
Headaches from hearing aids are common– they are just a minor difficulty on the road to clearer hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with minor modifications. The right care and fine-tuning will enable you to quickly return to enjoying discussions, music, and the subtle sounds of life.
Schedule an appointment today if you are experiencing hearing-aid related headaches.