Hearing aids can be life-changing, providing better communication and improved quality of life. Yet, a few people suffer from headaches when they first begin wearing 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. Let’s explore why these headaches happen and how to avoid or treat them!
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Poor Fitting:
An incorrectly adjusted hearing aid can cause pressure on the ear’s delicate structures, causing headaches and discomfort. An improperly fitted device is most likely the cause if you are experiencing headaches shortly after acquiring a new hearing aid. - Sound Overload:
It takes time for your brain to acclimate to processing the amplified sound signals. Initially, perceiving sounds you couldn’t hear before– like background noise– can be overwhelming and induce headaches. However, this sensation should self-correct before long. - Excessive Volume Setting:
If the hearing aids are adjusted too loud, the increased auditory input can cause auditory fatigue, leading to headaches. You should try to begin with a lower volume and then incrementally raise it as you adjust to the changed auditory input. - High-Pitched Sounds:
If your hearing aids emit feedback or a high-pitched whistle, it can cause irritation in the ears and result in tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is creating sounds that lead to agitation or annoyance. - Adjustment Period:
Remember: Your brain needs time to get used to using your hearing aid. The brain will be re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment phase, which can cause slight discomfort, including headaches.
How to manage and prevent headaches
- Get a Proper Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are expertly fitted to avoid pressure points in your ear canal.
- Raise Volume Slowly: Begin with an easy volume level and slowly raise it to keep from overwhelming your auditory system.
- Modern hearing aids have features for background noise reduction. Consult your audiologist about changing the settings or upgrading the device if yours lacks this capability.
- Give your brain and ears time to rest during the adjustment period to avoid sensory fatigue.
- Maintain Regular Contact: Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you experience discomfort from your device.
Recognizing when to contact your audiologist for headaches
It’s time to see an audiologist if the headaches do not stop after the initial adjustment or if they come with other symptoms, for example nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Headaches that do not go away could suggest an underlying issue, for instance a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or simply that your device settings are incorrect.
The benefits of a correctly adjusted hearing aid
Though hearing aid headaches can be annoying, they’re usually temporary and are easily fixed with expert support. A properly fitted hearing aid that meets your specific needs can significantly improve your quality of life without causing any discomfort. If you experience any issues, reach out to your audiologist– your comfort and hearing health are important! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is causing you pain, your audiologist knows you’re prone to stop wearing it.
A Common Issue
Headaches from hearing aids are common– they are just a minor setback on the road to clearer hearing. This is a common experience, and it will probably be resolved with a few adjustments. The appropriate care and adjustments will get you back on track, enjoying the small sounds of life, music, and conversations in short order!
Contact us for an appointment now if you are having headaches due to your hearing aids.