With their ability to boost communication and quality of life, hearing aids are a huge benefit. Headaches can occur for some wearers during the first period of using hearing aids. While this can be frustrating, the good news is that these headaches are typically temporary and simple to manage with the proper care and adjustments. Let’s dive into why these headaches happen and how to prevent or treat 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. When headaches occur soon after receiving a new hearing aid, the issue is frequently an ill-fitting device. - Sound Overload:
The brain needs a period to adapt to the increased volume of sounds it is processing. At first, hearing things you previously couldn’t– like background noise– can feel excessive and cause headaches. Luckily, this sensation usually resolves naturally in a short time. - Volume Set Too Loud:
Setting the volume too loud can result in auditory fatigue from the high-volume input, thereby triggering headaches. Start with a lower volume and slowly raise it as you acclimate to your new normal. - Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can irritate the ears and cause tension headaches. Make sure to talk to your hearing specialist if your device is producing any sound that causes agitation. - Adjustment Period:
Keep in mind: Your brain requires a period of time to adjust to your hearing aid. As the brain re-learns how to process sounds during this period, some individuals may feel minor discomfort, such as headaches.
How to treat and prevent headaches
- Get a Proper Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are expertly fitted to prevent pressure points in your ear canal.
- Gradually Adjust the Volume: Start at a comfortable volume and slowly raise it to avoid overwhelming your auditory system.
- Activate Noise Filters: Background noise reduction features are standard in newer hearing aids. If your device is without this, speak with your audiologist about modifying the settings or upgrading the device.
- Rest Your Ears and Brain: Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to prevent the onset of sensory fatigue.
- Ensure you see your audiologist often for fine-tuning, particularly if your device is leading to discomfort.
When to consult a hearing specialist for your headaches
Consult a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adaptation time or if other symptoms– like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are also present.
Persistent headaches may signal that your device settings are incorrect or that there’s an underlying problem, such as an ear infection or hearing aid malfunction.
How the right hearing aid can enhance your life
Though hearing aid headaches can be annoying, they are generally temporary and are easily fixed with expert support. A properly adjusted hearing aid that meets your specific needs can dramatically enhance your quality of life without resulting in any discomfort. Should any problems arise, be sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are essential! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is causing you pain, your audiologist knows you’re likely to stop wearing it.
A Common Issue
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are no cause for worry– think of them as a minor obstacle toward better hearing. Your experience is common, and some simple modifications can probably fix the issue. The right care and fine-tuning will allow you to quickly get back to enjoying discussions, music, and the subtle sounds of life.
Schedule an appointment today if you are suffering from hearing-aid related headaches.