Hearing aids can be transformative, providing better communication and improved quality of life. But, a few users experience headaches when they first begin wearing hearing aids. Even though this may be aggravating, it is a good thing that these headaches are generally temporary and simple to handle with proper care and fine-tuning. We will next explore the causes for these headaches and how to prevent or treat them.
Why hearing aids can trigger headaches
- Poor Fitting:
An incorrectly adjusted hearing aid can cause pressure on the ear’s sensitive structures, causing headaches and discomfort. An improperly fitted device is 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 louder sound signals. Initially, perceiving sounds you couldn’t hear before– like background noise– can be overwhelming and induce headaches. The good news is that this phenomenon is typically temporary and should resolve soon. - Excessive Volume Setting:
Setting the volume too loud can lead to sensory fatigue from the excessive input, thereby causing headaches. Try beginning at a lower volume and slowly increasing over time as you acclimatize to your new normal. - Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and cause tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is producing sounds that are causing agitation. - The Acclimation Phase:
Don’t forget: Your brain needs time to adapt to the use of your hearing aid. During this period, some people experience mild discomfort, including headaches, as the brain re-learns how to process sounds.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- A Proper Fitting is Key: Be certain your hearing aids are professionally adjusted to avoid any pressure points inside your ear canal.
- Adjust Volume Gradually: Start with an easy volume level and gradually raise it to avoid taxing your auditory system.
- Modern hearing aids have features for background noise reduction. Ask your audiologist about changing the settings or getting a newer device if yours lacks this feature.
- Rest Your Ears and Brain: Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to prevent the onset of sensory fatigue.
- Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you feel discomfort from your device.
When you need to contact a hearing care professional about your headaches
It’s time to seek advise from a hearing specialist if the headaches do not stop after the initial adjustment or if they come with other symptoms, for example nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Persistent headaches might indicate that you have wrong device settings or an unseen problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
A well-fitted hearing aid can enhance your life
While hearing aid headaches can be annoying, they are generally temporary and are easily fixed with expert support. The right hearing aid, correctly adjusted to fit your needs, can substantially improve your quality of life without leading to discomfort. Should any problems arise, make sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are important! Your audiologist understands that pain from your hearing aid is likely to make you stop wearing it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
If you’re dealing with headaches from hearing aids, don’t worry– they’re just a bump in the road to better hearing. What you’re going through is common, and can likely be resolved with a few tweaks. The right care and fine-tuning will allow you to soon get back to enjoying discussions, music, and the little sounds of life.
Book an appointment right away if you are suffering from headaches caused by your hearing aids.