Hearing aids can be transformative, providing better communication and superior quality of life. When first beginning to use them, some users experience headaches. Fortunately, in spite of the annoyance, these headaches are often short-lived and can be easily resolved with proper adjustments and care. Let’s examine why these headaches happen and how to avoid or treat them!
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Improper Fit:
If your hearing aid isn’t adjusted correctly, it can put pressure on sensitive parts of the ear, resulting in discomfort and headaches. When headaches occur soon after receiving a new hearing aid, the problem is often a poorly fitted device. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
It takes time for your brain to adjust 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. However, this sensation is should resolve before long. - Excessive Volume Setting:
If hearing aids are too loud, the increased sound input can tire your auditory system, which can cause headaches. You should attempt to start with a lower volume and then incrementally increase it as you adjust to the changed auditory input. - High-Pitched Sounds:
Tension headaches can be the result of a high-pitched whistling sound or feedback that comes from your hearing aids and irritates your ears. Contact your hearing specialist if your device is creating sounds that lead to agitation or annoyance. - The Acclimation Phase:
Remember: Your brain needs time to acclimatize to using your hearing aid. During this period, some individuals experience minor discomfort, including headaches, as the brain re-learns how to process sounds.
How to treat and avoid headaches
- Seek a Proper Fitting: Have your hearing aids professionally fitted to stop the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- Adjust Volume Gradually: Begin with an easy volume level and slowly raise it to avoid overwhelming your auditory system.
- Activate Noise Filters: Background noise reduction capabilities are common in modern hearing aids. If your device is missing this, ask your audiologist about adjusting the settings or upgrading the device.
- Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some rest throughout the day to prevent sensory exhaustion.
- Maintain Regular Contact: Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, specifically if you experience discomfort from your device.
When you should contact a hearing care professional about your headaches
See an audiologist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment time or if other symptoms– like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are also present.
Continuing headaches might indicate that you have incorrect device settings or an underlying issue, including a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
The benefits of a properly adjusted hearing aid
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are usually temporary and easy to resolve with expert assistance, though they can be annoying. Correctly adjusted to your needs, the ideal hearing aid can vastly enhance your life without causing discomfort. Contact your audiologist if you run into any problems; your hearing health and comfort matter! The reality is, your hearing specialist is aware that if your hearing aid is painful, you are likely to cease wearing it.
Hearing aid-related headaches
Headaches caused by hearing aids are common– think of them as a minor obstacle toward better hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with a few adjustments. You will soon be back to enjoying music, conversations, and the subtle sounds of life with the right care and adjustments!
If you are suffering from headaches caused by your hearing aid, schedule an appointment today.