With their ability to improve communication and quality of life, hearing aids are a major asset. But, a few individuals suffer from headaches when they first put on hearing aids. While this can be annoying, the good news is that these headaches are typically temporary and easy to manage with the proper care and adjustments. Read why these headaches occur and what steps you can take to prevent or treat them!
Why hearing aids can trigger headaches
- Improper Fit:
Headaches and discomfort can result if an ill-fitting hearing aid puts pressure on sensitive areas of your ear. If you just got a new hearing aid and you’re experiencing headaches, an improperly sized device is likely to blame. - Sound Overload:
It takes time for your brain to get used to processing the louder sound signals. 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 naturally in a short time. - Excessive Volume Setting:
If hearing aids are too loud, the high level of sound input can tire your auditory system, leading to headaches. It’s best to start at a lower volume and gradually increase it as you adjust to your new way of hearing. - Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and contribute to tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is generating sounds that are causing agitation. - The Acclimation Phase:
Keep in mind: Your brain needs a period of time to acclimate to your hearing aid. During this period, some people experience slight discomfort, including headaches, as the brain recalibrates how to process sounds.
How to manage and prevent headaches
- Get a Correct Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are expertly fitted to eliminate pressure points in your ear canal.
- Gradually Adjust the Volume: Start at a comfortable volume and incrementally raise it to avoid overtaxing your auditory system.
- Activate Noise Filters: Background noise reduction capabilities are common in newer hearing aids. If your device is without this, ask your audiologist about adjusting the settings or replacing the device.
- Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, give your ears and brain some rest throughout the day to avert sensory exhaustion.
- Regular Check-ups: Stay in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning adjustments, particularly if your device is causing discomfort.
When you need to contact a hearing care specialist about your headaches
See a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adaptation time or if other symptoms– like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are accompanying them.
An underlying problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or wrong device settings may be signaled by headaches that persist.
The advantages of a correctly adjusted hearing aid
Though hearing aid headaches can be bothersome, they are generally temporary and can be easily fixed with expert support. The right hearing aid, correctly adjusted to fit your needs, can significantly improve your quality of life without leading to 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
Don’t panic if you’re experiencing headaches from your hearing aids– they are just a minor obstacle on the path to improved hearing. Your experience is common, and some simple modifications can probably fix the issue. The right care and fine-tuning will allow you to soon return to enjoying conversations, music, and the little sounds of life.
Schedule an appointment now if you are experiencing hearing-aid related headaches.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
