Hearing aids can be transformative, providing better communication and superior quality of life. Headaches can occur for some users during the initial period of using hearing aids. While this can be aggravating, the good news is that these headaches are generally temporary and simple to manage with the right care and adjustments. We will now explore the causes for these headaches and how to resolve them.
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- When the Fit is Wrong:
Headaches and discomfort can arise if an ill-fitting hearing aid puts pressure on sensitive parts of your ear. An improperly fitted device is probably the cause if you are experiencing headaches shortly after getting a new hearing aid. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Let your brain have time to adapt to the amplified sound input. Sounds you couldn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel intense and cause a headache when you first hear them. Fortunately, this phenomenon typically resolves 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. Try beginning at a lower volume and slowly increasing over time as you adjust to your new level of hearing. - High-Pitched Sounds:
When your hearing aids emit feedback or a high-pitched whistle, it can cause irritation in the ears and result in tension headaches. Make sure to talk to your hearing specialist if your device emits any sound that causes agitation. - The Acclimation Phase:
Don’t forget: Your brain needs time to acclimate to the use of your hearing aid. As the brain recalibrates how to process sounds during this phase, some people might experience minor discomfort, such as headaches.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- Get a Proper Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are expertly fitted to eliminate pressure points in your ear canal.
- Raise Volume Slowly: Begin with a comfortable volume level and slowly raise it to prevent taxing your auditory system.
- Use Noise Filters: Modern hearing aids come with 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, give your ears and brain some rest throughout the day to prevent sensory fatigue.
- Stay in Contact with Your Audiologist: Ensure you visit your audiologist regularly for fine-tuning, especially if your device is leading to discomfort.
When to consult a audiologist for your headaches
It’s time to see a hearing specialist if the headaches continue past the initial adjustment phase or if they are paired with other symptoms, such as ear pain, dizziness, or nausea.
Continuing headaches might signal that you have wrong device settings or an unseen issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
How the correct hearing aid can enhance your life
While hearing aid headaches can be annoying, they’re usually temporary and are easily fixed with expert support. Without causing discomfort, the right hearing aid, customized to your needs, can significantly improve your quality of life. Make sure to contact your audiologist if you have any issues, as your hearing health and comfort 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
If you’re dealing with headaches from hearing aids, don’t worry– they’re just a small hurdle to better hearing. What you’re going through is common, and can likely be resolved with a few modifications. With the correct 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 headaches as a result of your hearing aids.
