Hearing aids can be transformative, providing better communication and improved quality of life. When first beginning to use them, some users experience headaches. Even though this might be aggravating, it is fortunate that these headaches are generally temporary and simple to manage with proper care and fine-tuning. Let’s find out why these headaches develop and what steps you can take to solve them!
Why hearing aids can trigger headaches
- When the Fit is Wrong: Headaches and discomfort can result if an ill-fitting hearing aid presses on sensitive parts of your ear. When headaches occur soon after getting a new hearing aid, the problem is frequently a poorly fitted device.
- A Rush of Sound: Your brain requires time to adapt to processing amplified sounds. Sounds you couldn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel overwhelming and cause a headache when you first hear them. Nevertheless, this effect is should resolve over time.
- High Volume Settings: Headaches may result if the volume setting is too loud, as the extra sound input can cause fatigue in the auditory system. It’s best to begin at a lower volume and slowly increase it as you adjust to your new way of hearing.
- High-Pitched Sounds: If your hearing aids produce feedback or a high-pitched whistle, it can cause irritation in the ears and result in tension headaches. Make sure to talk to your audiologist if your device is producing any sound that causes agitation.
- The Acclimation Phase: Keep in mind: Your brain needs a period of time to adjust to your hearing aid. The brain will be re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment period, which can lead to minor discomfort, including headaches.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- A Proper Fitting is Key: Be sure your hearing aids are expertly adjusted to eliminate any pressure points inside your ear canal.
- begin at a low setting and incrementally increase the volume to keep from overtaxing your hearing system.
- Use Noise Filters: Contemporary hearing aids come with background noise reduction capabilities. If your device doesn’t include this, ask your audiologist about upgrading or adjusting the settings.
- Rest Your Ears and Brain: Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to avoid the onset of sensory fatigue.
- Maintain regular check-ups with your hearing specialist for fine-tuning, particularly if you are experiencing discomfort.
When to see a audiologist for your headaches
You should consult a hearing specialist if the headaches continue past the initial adjustment phase or if they are paired with other symptoms, including ear pain, dizziness, or nausea.
An underlying problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or wrong device settings may be indicated by headaches that persist.
A well-fitted hearing aid can improve your life
While headaches caused by hearing aids can be bothersome, they are generally temporary and easy to resolve with professional assistance. The correct hearing aid, properly adjusted to fit your needs, can significantly improve your quality of life without leading to discomfort. If you experience any problems, reach out to your audiologist– your comfort and hearing health matter! The truth is, your hearing specialist is aware that if your hearing aid is causing you pain, you will probably cease wearing it.
A Common Side Effects
Headaches from hearing aids are common– they are just a minor difficulty on the road to clearer hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with minor adjustments. The right care and adjustments will have you back on track, enjoying the little sounds of life, music, and conversations quickly!
If you are suffering from headaches caused by your hearing aid, schedule an appointment now.
