Providing better communication and an enhanced quality of life, hearing aids can truly be life-changing. However, some people experience headaches when they first begin using hearing aids. Fortunately, these headaches are generally fleeting and simple to manage with necessary adjustments and care, though they are annoying at first. We will now explore the reasons for these headaches and how to prevent or treat them.
The main reasons hearing aids lead to headaches
- When the Fit is Wrong: If your hearing aid isn’t fitted properly, it can put pressure on sensitive parts of the ear, leading to discomfort and headaches. If headaches are occurring with your new hearing aid, the likely cause is an improperly fitted device.
- Sound Overload: Allow your brain time to adapt to the amplified sound input. Sounds you didn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel intense and cause a headache when you first hear them. The good news is that this phenomenon is typically temporary and should resolve before long.
- Excessive Volume Setting: Headaches might result if the volume setting is too high, as the increased sound input can cause strain in the auditory system. It’s best to begin at a lower volume and gradually increase it as you become used to your new normal.
- Feedback and Whistling: Tension headaches can be caused by a high-pitched whistling sound or feedback that comes from your hearing aids and irritates your ears. In case your device is making irritating sounds, reach out to your hearing specialist.
- Time to Adapt: Keep in mind: Your brain requires a period of time to adjust to your hearing aid. The brain will be re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment period, which can lead to minor discomfort, including headaches.
Tips to manage and avoid headaches
- Have your hearing aids expertly fitted to prevent the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- Start at a low setting and incrementally raise the volume to avoid overwhelming your hearing system.
- Activate Noise Filters: Background noise reduction features are common in modern hearing aids. If your device is missing this, speak with your audiologist about adjusting the settings or replacing the device.
- Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some rest throughout the day to prevent sensory exhaustion.
- Regular Check-ups: Stay in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning adjustments, especially if your device is leading to discomfort.
When you should consult a hearing care specialist about your headaches
It’s time to see an audiologist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Headaches that do not go away could indicate an underlying issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or simply that your device settings are incorrect.
The benefits of a correctly adjusted hearing aid
While hearing aid headaches can be annoying, they are generally temporary and can be easily fixed with expert support. The correct hearing aid, properly adjusted to fit your needs, can substantially improve your quality of life without leading to discomfort. Should any issues arise, be sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are important! Ultimately, your hearing specialist knows that if your hearing aid is creating pain, you’ll probably stop using it.
Hearing aid-related headaches
Don’t panic if you’re getting headaches from your hearing aids– they are just a minor obstacle on the path to better hearing. Your experience is common, and some simple tweaks can probably fix the issue. The right care and adjustments will have you back on track, enjoying the small sounds of life, music, and conversations in short order!
If you are experiencing headaches caused by your hearing aid, schedule an appointment now.