Providing better communication and an improved quality of life, hearing aids are usually transformative. But, a few people experience headaches when they initially begin wearing hearing aids. Fortunately, these headaches are generally fleeting and easy to manage with necessary adjustments and care, even if they are frustrating at first. Here, we’ll investigate the causes of these headaches and the best ways to address them!
Why hearing aids can cause headaches
- When the Fit is Wrong:
Should your hearing aid lack a correct fit, it might exert pressure on sensitive areas of the ear, which can cause headaches and general discomfort. An ill-fitting device is most likely the cause if you are getting headaches shortly after acquiring a new hearing aid. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Allow your brain time to adapt to the louder sound input. The initial experience of hearing previously missed sounds, like background noise, can be intense and lead to headaches. However, this sensation should resolve on its own before long. - Volume Set Too Loud:
Setting the volume too high can result in auditory fatigue from the excessive input, thereby causing headaches. Start with a lower volume and slowly increase it as you get used to your new normal. - Feedback and Whistling:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and cause tension headaches. Be sure to talk to your hearing specialist if your device emits any sound that leads to agitation. - The Acclimation Phase:
Remember: Your brain needs time to adapt to using your hearing aid. While the brain recalibrates how to process sounds during this period, some people might feel slight discomfort, such as headaches.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- Get a Correct Fitting: Be certain your hearing aids are expertly fitted to prevent pressure points in your ear canal.
- Start at a low setting and incrementally raise the volume to avoid overtaxing your hearing system.
- Use Noise Filters: Contemporary hearing aids come with background noise reduction capabilities. If your device doesn’t have this, ask your audiologist about adjusting or upgrading the settings.
- Give your brain and ears a break during the adaptation period to prevent sensory fatigue.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Maintain scheduled check-ups with your hearing specialist for fine-tuning, especially if you are experiencing discomfort.
Knowing when to contact your audiologist for headaches
It’s time to see a hearing specialist if the headaches continue past the first adjustment phase or if they are paired with additional symptoms, including ear pain, dizziness, or nausea.
An underlying problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or wrong device settings might be indicated by headaches that persist.
The benefits of a properly adjusted hearing aid
While headaches caused by hearing aids can be frustrating, they are generally temporary and easy to fix with professional help. A properly adjusted hearing aid that meets your individual needs can dramatically improve your quality of life without resulting in any discomfort. Be sure to call your audiologist if you have any problems, as your hearing health and comfort matter! Ultimately, your hearing specialist knows that if your hearing aid is creating pain, you’ll likely stop wearing it.
Hearing aid-related headaches
Headaches as a result of hearing aids are nothing to worry about– they are just a minor difficulty on the road to clearer hearing. This is a common experience, and it will probably be resolved with a few adjustments. With the right care and adjustments, you’ll be back on track, enjoying conversations, music, and the subtle sounds of life in no time!
Schedule an appointment now if you are experiencing hearing-aid related headaches.
