Providing better communication and an enhanced quality of life, hearing aids can truly change lives. However, some individuals experience headaches when they first begin using hearing aids. Fortunately, these headaches are generally fleeting and easy to manage with the right adjustments and care, even if they are annoying at first. We will now explore the causes for these headaches and how to prevent or treat them.
Prevalent causes of headaches from hearing aids
- When the Fit is Wrong:
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 probably the cause if you are experiencing headaches shortly after acquiring a new hearing aid. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Allow your brain time to adapt to the louder sound input. The initial sensation of hearing previously missed sounds, like background noise, can be intense and trigger headaches. However, this effect should resolve on its own before long. - Volume Set Too Loud:
If hearing aids are too loud, the high level of sound input can fatigue your auditory system, which can cause headaches. Try beginning at a lower volume and gradually increasing over time as you acclimatize to your new level of hearing. - Feedback and Whistling:
When your hearing aids emit feedback or a high-pitched whistle, it can lead to irritation in the ears and result in tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is producing sounds that are causing agitation. - Time to Adapt:
Keep in mind: Your brain requires a period of time to adjust to your hearing aid. Headaches and other slight discomforts may be experienced by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-learns sound processing.
How to manage and avoid headaches
- Seek a Proper Fitting: Have your hearing aids expertly fitted to prevent the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- Start at a comfortable setting and incrementally increase the volume to keep from overwhelming your hearing system.
- Use Noise Filters: Modern hearing aids usually have background noise reduction capabilities. If your device doesn’t have this, ask your audiologist about adjusting or upgrading the settings.
- Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some respite throughout the day to prevent sensory fatigue.
- Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you experience discomfort from your device.
Recognizing when to reah out to your hearing specialist for headaches
It’s time to see a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adaptation or if they come with other symptoms, for example nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
An underlying problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or incorrect device settings might be indicated by headaches that continue.
A well-fitted hearing aid can improve your life
While hearing aid headaches can be bothersome, they are generally temporary and are easily fixed with professional support. Correctly adjusted to your needs, the ideal hearing aid can substantially enhance your life without creating discomfort. If you experience any issues, contact your audiologist– your comfort and hearing health matter! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is leading to pain, your audiologist knows you’re prone to stop wearing it.
Hearing aid-assosiated headaches
Headaches caused by hearing aids are no cause for worry– think of them as a small setback toward better hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with minor adjustments. You will soon be back to enjoying music, conversations, and the subtle sounds of life with the right care and adjustments!
Contact us for an appointment today if you are experiencing headaches as a result of your hearing aids.