With their ability to boost communication and quality of life, hearing aids are a major benefit. However, some people experience headaches when they first start using hearing aids. Luckily, these headaches are generally fleeting and straightforward to manage with necessary adjustments and care, though they are frustrating at first. We will now explore the causes for these headaches and how to prevent or treat them.
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Improper Fit:
Headaches and discomfort can arise if an ill-fitting hearing aid puts pressure on sensitive parts of your ear. If headaches are occurring with your new hearing aid, it’s probable a poorly fitted device. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Your brain requires time to adjust to processing amplified sounds. Things you couldn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel overwhelming and cause a headache when you first hear them. The good news is that this reaction is typically temporary and should resolve before long. - High Volume Settings:
Setting the volume too high can result in auditory fatigue from the high-volume input, thereby triggering headaches. Begin with a lower volume and gradually increase it as you get used to your amplified hearing. - Feedback and Whistling:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and contribute to tension headaches. If your device is producing irritating sounds, talk to your hearing specialist. - Adjustment Period:
Your brain needs time to become accustomed to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. The brain will be re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment period, which can cause minor discomfort, including headaches.
How to manage and prevent headaches
- Ensure a Professional Fit: Be sure your hearing aids are professionally adjusted to eliminate any pressure points inside your ear canal.
- Raise Volume Slowly: Start with an easy volume level and slowly raise it to prevent taxing your auditory system.
- Utilize Noise Reduction: Newer hearing aids include features for background noise reduction. Ask your audiologist about changing the settings or upgrading the device if yours lacks this feature.
- Scheduled Breaks: Give your brain and ears a break during the adjustment period to prevent sensory fatigue.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Maintain regular check-ups with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you are feeling discomfort.
When you need to consult a hearing care specialist about your headaches
See a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment time or if other symptoms– like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are accompanying them.
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 properly adjusted hearing aid
With professional help, headaches from hearing aids are usually temporary and easy to fix, despite being annoying. Without leading to discomfort, the right hearing aid, properly adjusted to your needs, can substantially boost your quality of life. If any problems occur, make sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are essential! Your audiologist recognizes that pain from your hearing aid will likely cause you to stop wearing it.
Hearing aid-assosiated headaches
If you’re experiencing 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 probably be resolved with a few modifications. You will quickly be back to enjoying music, conversations, and the small sounds of life with the correct care and adjustments!
Schedule an appointment now if you are experiencing headaches as a result of your hearing aids.
