Hearing aids are often life-changing, resulting in better communication and a higher quality of life. However, some people experience headaches when they first start using hearing aids. While this can be annoying, the good news is that these headaches are usually short lived and easy to manage with the proper care and adjustments. Here, we’ll investigate the causes of these headaches and the best ways to prevent or treat them!
Why hearing aids can trigger headaches
- Improper Fit:
An improperly fitted hearing aid can cause pressure on the ear’s delicate structures, resulting in headaches and discomfort. An improperly fitted device is probably the cause if you are getting headaches shortly after acquiring a new hearing aid. - Sound Overload:
Your brain needs time to adjust to processing louder sounds. Sounds you couldn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel overwhelming and bring on a headache when you first hear them. However, this effect should self-correct before long. - High Volume Settings:
Setting the volume too loud can result in sensory fatigue from the excessive input, thereby triggering headaches. It’s best to start at a lower volume and slowly increase it as you become used to your new normal. - Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
Tension headaches can be caused by a high-pitched whistling sound or feedback that is produced by your hearing aids and irritates your ears. Speak with your audiologist if your device is creating sounds that lead to agitation or annoyance. - Adjustment Period:
Remember: Your brain needs time to adapt to the use of your hearing aid. During this period, some individuals experience minor discomfort, including headaches, as the brain recalibrates how to process sounds.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- A Proper Fitting is Key: Be sure your hearing aids are expertly fitted to avoid any pressure points inside your ear canal.
- Adjust Volume Gradually: Begin with an easy volume level and gradually increase it to avoid taxing your auditory system.
- Activate Noise Filters: Background noise reduction capabilities are standard in modern hearing aids. If your device is missing this, speak with your audiologist about modifying the settings or upgrading the device.
- Scheduled Breaks: Give your brain and ears a break during the adjustment period to avoid sensory fatigue.
- Regular Check-ups: Stay in touch with your audiologist for fine-tuning adjustments, especially if your device is leading to discomfort.
Recognizing when to contact your hearing specialist for headaches
See an audiologist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment time or if other symptoms– such as nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are accompanying them.
An underlying issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or wrong device settings might be signaled by headaches that persist.
A well-fitted hearing aid can enhance your life
Though hearing aid headaches can be bothersome, they are generally temporary and can be easily fixed with professional support. The correct hearing aid, correctly adjusted to fit your needs, can substantially enhance your quality of life without causing discomfort. Contact your audiologist if you run into any problems; your hearing health and comfort matter! Your audiologist recognizes that pain from your hearing aid will likely cause you to stop wearing it.
Hearing aid-related headaches
Headaches from hearing aids are common– they are just a temporary difficulty on the road to clearer hearing. Your experience is common, and a few simple tweaks can most likely fix the issue. The right care and fine-tuning will enable you to soon get back to enjoying conversations, music, and the little sounds of life.
If you are suffering from headaches related to your hearing aid, book an appointment today.