Hearing aids can be transformative, offering better communication and superior quality of life. But, a few individuals experience headaches when they initially put on hearing aids. Fortunately, despite the frustration, these headaches are often short-lived and can be easily resolved with correct adjustments and care. Let’s explore why these headaches happen and how to prevent or treat them!
Prevalent causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Poor Fitting:
An improperly fitted hearing aid can create pressure on the ear’s delicate structures, resulting in headaches and discomfort. When headaches occur soon after getting a new hearing aid, the issue is often an ill-fitting device. - A Rush of Sound:
Let your brain have time to adjust to the louder sound input. The initial sensation of hearing previously missed sounds, like background noise, can be overwhelming and lead to headaches. However, this sensation should self-correct before long. - Excessive Volume Setting:
Setting the volume too high can lead to sensory fatigue from the excessive input, thereby causing headaches. You should try to start with a lower volume and then slowly increase it as you get used to the new auditory input. - Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
Hearing aids that make feedback or a high-pitched whistling sound can irritate the ears and lead to tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is making sounds that lead to agitation or annoyance. - The Acclimation Phase:
Remember: Your brain needs time to adapt to using your hearing aid. The brain is in the process of re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment phase, which can cause minor discomfort, including headaches.
Tips to prevent and treat headaches
- A Proper Fitting is Key: Be sure your hearing aids are professionally adjusted to avoid any pressure points inside your ear canal.
- Volume Adjustment is Key: Start at a low setting and incrementally raise the volume to keep from overwhelming your hearing system.
- Utilize Noise Reduction: Newer hearing aids include features for background noise reduction. Ask your audiologist about changing the settings or upgrading the device if yours doesn’t have this capability.
- Take Listening Breaks: To prevent sensory fatigue during the adjustment period, allow your brain and ears a rest periodically.
- Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, specifically if you experience discomfort from your device.
When to consult a audiologist for your headaches
It’s time to see a hearing specialist if the headaches persist after the initial adaptation or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Persistent headaches might signal that your device settings are off or that there’s an underlying issue, such as an ear infection or hearing aid malfunction.
The benefits of a correctly adjusted hearing aid
With professional help, headaches from hearing aids are usually temporary and simple to fix, despite being frustrating. Without causing discomfort, the correct hearing aid, customized to your needs, can significantly improve your quality of life. Make sure to call your audiologist if you have any problems, as your hearing health and comfort matter! Ultimately, your hearing specialist knows that if your hearing aid is causing you pain, you’ll likely stop using it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
If you’re experiencing headaches from hearing aids, don’t worry– they’re just a small hurdle to better hearing. Your experience is common, and some simple tweaks can likely fix the issue. The right care and adjustments will get you back on track, enjoying the small sounds of life, music, and conversations in short order!
Schedule an appointment today if you are having headaches as a result of your hearing aids.