Hearing aids can be transformative, offering better communication and improved quality of life. Headaches can happen for some users during the initial period of using hearing aids. Luckily, these headaches are usually fleeting and easy to manage with necessary adjustments and care, even if they are frustrating at first. We will now explore the reasons for these headaches and how to prevent or treat them.
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- When the Fit is Wrong: Headaches and discomfort can arise if an ill-fitting hearing aid presses on sensitive areas of your ear. If you just purchased a new hearing aid and you’re experiencing headaches, an improperly sized device is probably to blame.
- Overwhelmed by Sound: The brain requires a period to adapt to the amplified volume of sounds it is processing. At first, hearing things you previously missed– like background noise– can feel excessive and cause headaches. However, this effect is expected to disappear over time.
- High Volume Settings: Headaches might result if the volume setting is too loud, as the extra sound input can cause fatigue in the auditory system. It’s best to begin at a lower volume and gradually increase it as you become used to your new way of hearing.
- High-Pitched Sounds: When your hearing aids produce feedback or a high-pitched whistle, it can cause irritation in the ears and result in tension headaches. Talk to your audiologist if your device is making sounds that cause agitation or annoyance.
- The Acclimation Phase: Keep in mind: Your brain requires a period of time to adapt to your hearing aid. The brain is in the process of re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment phase, which can cause minor discomfort, including headaches.
How to treat and prevent headaches
- Get a Correct Fitting: Be certain your hearing aids are professionally fitted to eliminate pressure points in your ear canal.
- Gradually Adjust the Volume: Begin at a comfortable volume and incrementally raise it to avoid overwhelming your auditory system.
- Use Noise Filters: Contemporary hearing aids come with background noise reduction features. If your device doesn’t include this, ask your audiologist about upgrading or adjusting the settings.
- To avoid sensory exhaustion during the adjustment phase, give your brain and ears a rest periodically.
- Ensure you visit your audiologist often for fine-tuning, especially if your device is leading to discomfort.
When you should contact a hearing care professional about your headaches
It’s time to seek advise from a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adaptation or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Persistent headaches may indicate that you have wrong device settings or an underlying problem, including a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
The benefits of a correctly adjusted hearing aid
While hearing aid headaches can be annoying, they are generally temporary and are easily fixed with professional support. Without leading to discomfort, the right hearing aid, properly adjusted to your needs, can substantially improve your quality of life. Contact your audiologist if you experience any problems; your hearing health and comfort are essential! Ultimately, your hearing specialist knows that if your hearing aid is causing you pain, you’ll likely stop wearing it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
Headaches caused by hearing aids are common– think of them as a minor obstacle toward better hearing. What you’re going through is common, and can likely be resolved with a few adjustments. The right care and adjustments will have you back on track, enjoying the small sounds of life, music, and conversations in short order!
Schedule an appointment today if you are dealing with headaches caused by your hearing aids.