Providing better communication and an enhanced quality of life, hearing aids can truly change lives. When first beginning to use them, some users experience headaches. While this can be annoying, the good news is that these headaches are typically temporary and easy to manage with the right 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
- Improper Fit:
Should your hearing aid lack a correct fit, it may exert pressure on vulnerable areas of the ear, which can cause headaches and general discomfort. An ill-fitting device is likely the cause if you are experiencing headaches shortly after acquiring a new hearing aid. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Your brain requires time to adapt to processing louder sounds. Initially, hearing things you previously missed– like background noise– can feel overwhelming and trigger headaches. Luckily, this sensation usually resolves naturally in a short time. - High Volume Settings:
If hearing aids are too loud, the high level of sound input can tire your auditory system, leading to headaches. Try starting out at a lower volume and slowly raising over time as you get used to your new normal. - High-Pitched Sounds:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and cause tension headaches. Be certain to talk to your hearing specialist if your device emits any sound that causes agitation. - Time to Adapt:
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 phase, which can lead to slight discomfort, including headaches.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- Get a Correct Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are expertly fitted to avoid pressure points in your ear canal.
- Raise Volume Gradually: Begin with a comfortable volume level and slowly increase it to keep from overwhelming your auditory system.
- Newer hearing aids have features for background noise reduction. Consult your audiologist about adjusting the settings or upgrading the device if yours doesn’t have this feature.
- Take Listening Breaks: To prevent sensory exhaustion during the adjustment period, allow your brain and ears a rest throughout the day.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Maintain scheduled check-ups with your hearing specialist for fine-tuning, especially if you are feeling discomfort.
When you should contact a hearing care specialist about your headaches
It’s time to see a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Persistent headaches may suggest that your device settings are off or that there’s an underlying problem, including an ear infection or hearing aid malfunction.
A well-fitted hearing aid can improve your life
With professional assistance, headaches from hearing aids are generally temporary and simple to fix, despite being annoying. A properly adjusted hearing aid that meets your specific needs can significantly enhance your quality of life without causing any discomfort. Contact your audiologist if you run into any problems; your hearing health and comfort are essential! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is causing you pain, your audiologist knows you’re prone to stop wearing it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are common– think of them as a small setback toward better hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with a few adjustments. You will quickly be back to enjoying music, conversations, and the small sounds of life with the correct care and adjustments!
If you are experiencing headaches caused by your hearing aid, schedule an appointment now.