Providing better communication and an improved quality of life, hearing aids are usually transformative. Yet, a few individuals get headaches when they first begin wearing hearing aids. While this can be frustrating, the good news is that these headaches are usually short lived and easy to manage with the proper care and adjustments. We will now explore the reasons for these headaches and how to resolve them.
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Poor Fitting:
An incorrectly fitted hearing aid can cause pressure on the ear’s delicate structures, resulting in headaches and discomfort. If headaches occur soon after receiving a new hearing aid, the issue is frequently an ill-fitting device. - A Rush of Sound:
It takes time for your brain to acclimate to processing the amplified sound signals. Things you didn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel intense and bring on a headache when you first hear them. Fortunately, this sensation usually resolves on its own in a short time. - Excessive Volume Setting:
If hearing aids are too loud, the increased sound input can tire your auditory system, leading to headaches. You should attempt to begin with a lower volume and then incrementally increase it as you get used to the new auditory input. - Feedback and Whistling:
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 generating sounds that are causing agitation. - Adjustment Period:
Your brain needs time to adapt to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. Headaches and other minor discomforts might be felt by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-calibrates sound processing.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- Ensure a Professional Fit: Be sure your hearing aids are expertly adjusted to avoid any pressure points inside your ear canal.
- Raise Volume Slowly: Start with an easy volume level and gradually increase it to prevent overwhelming your auditory system.
- Utilize Noise Filters: Modern hearing aids come with background noise reduction capabilities. If your device doesn’t include this, ask your audiologist about adjusting or upgrading the settings.
- Rest Your Ears and Brain: Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to prevent the onset of sensory fatigue.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Maintain scheduled check-ups with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you are experiencing discomfort.
When to consult a hearing specialist for your headaches
You should consult a hearing specialist if the headaches persist past the initial adjustment phase or if they are paired with other symptoms, such as ear pain, dizziness, or nausea.
Headaches that do not go away could suggest an underlying issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or simply that your device settings are incorrect.
How the correct hearing aid can improve your life
With professional assistance, headaches from hearing aids are usually temporary and easy to fix, in spite of being frustrating. Properly adjusted to your needs, the ideal hearing aid can substantially improve your life without causing discomfort. Be sure to call your audiologist if you have any issues, as your hearing health and comfort are essential! Your audiologist understands that pain from your hearing aid will likely make you stop wearing it.
A Common Side Effects
Headaches as a result of hearing aids are nothing to worry about– they are just a minor difficulty on the road to clearer hearing. Your experience is common, and a few simple modifications can most likely resolve the issue. With the correct care and adjustments, you’ll be back on track, enjoying conversations, music, and the little sounds of life in no time!
Contact us for an appointment today if you are having headaches as a result of your hearing aids.