Offering better communication and an improved quality of life, hearing aids are usually transformative. When first beginning to use them, some users experience headaches. While this can be annoying, the good news is that these headaches are generally short lived and simple to manage with the right care and adjustments. We will next explore the causes for these headaches and how to resolve them.

Why hearing aids can lead to headaches

• Poor Fitting:
  An incorrectly fitted hearing aid can create pressure on the ear’s delicate structures, causing headaches and discomfort. An improperly fitted device is probably the cause if you are experiencing headaches shortly after acquiring a new hearing aid.
• Overwhelmed by Sound:
  The brain requires a period to adapt to the increased volume of sounds it is processing. Initially, hearing things you previously couldn’t– like background noise– can feel excessive and cause headaches. However, this effect should self-correct before long.
• High Volume Settings:
  Setting the volume too high can result in sensory fatigue from the high-volume input, thereby triggering headaches. Begin with a lower volume and slowly raise it as you acclimate to your new normal.
• High-Pitched Sounds:
  Hearing aids that make feedback or a high-pitched whistling sound can irritate the ears and cause tension headaches. Make sure to talk to your audiologist if your device emits any sound that leads to agitation.
• Time to Adapt:
  It is important to remember that Your brain needs a period of time to acclimate to your hearing aid. While the brain re-learns how to process sounds during this phase, some individuals may feel slight discomfort, such as headaches.

Solutions for preventing and managing headaches

• Have your hearing aids expertly fitted to prevent the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
• Gradually Adjust the Volume: Begin at a low volume and slowly raise it to prevent overwhelming your auditory system.
• Utilize Noise Reduction: Modern hearing aids include features for background noise reduction. Consult your audiologist about changing the settings or getting a newer device if yours doesn’t have this feature.
• Take Listening Breaks: To avoid sensory fatigue during the adjustment period, give your brain and ears a rest throughout the day.
• Make sure you visit your audiologist often for fine-tuning, especially if your device is leading to discomfort.

When you should consult a hearing care professional about your headaches

See an audiologist if the headaches last after the initial adaptation time or if other symptoms– like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are accompanying them.

Headaches that persist could suggest an underlying issue, for instance a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or simply that your device settings are incorrect.

A well-fitted hearing aid can enhance your life

Headaches caused by hearing aids are usually temporary and easy to fix with professional help, even though they can be frustrating. The right hearing aid, properly adjusted to fit your needs, can significantly improve your quality of life without leading to discomfort. Be sure to call your audiologist if you have any issues, as your hearing health and comfort are essential! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is leading to pain, your audiologist knows you’re likely to stop wearing it.

Temporary Headaches are Normal

Headaches caused by hearing aids are common– think of them as a small setback toward better hearing. This is a common experience, and it will probably be resolved with minor modifications. The proper care and fine-tuning will allow you to quickly get back to enjoying discussions, music, and the little sounds of life.

Schedule an appointment now if you are having headaches due to your hearing aids.