Hearing aids are frequently transformative, leading to superior communication and a higher quality of life. Headaches can happen for some wearers during the initial period of using hearing aids. Fortunately, these headaches are generally fleeting and simple to manage with necessary adjustments and care, though they are frustrating at first. Let’s dive into why these headaches happen and how to prevent or treat them!
Prevalent causes of headaches from hearing aids
- When the Fit is Wrong:
If your hearing aid isn’t fitted properly, it can press against delicate parts of the ear, leading to pain and headaches. When headaches occur soon after getting a new hearing aid, the issue is often an ill-fitting device. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
It takes time for your brain to acclimate to processing the amplified sound signals. The initial sensation of hearing previously missed sounds, like background noise, can be intense and trigger headaches. Luckily, this phenomenon usually resolves naturally before long. - High Volume Settings:
When hearing aids are too loud, the increased sound input can fatigue your auditory system, which can cause headaches. It’s best to begin at a lower volume and slowly increase it as you become used to your new normal. - High-Pitched Sounds:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can annoy the ears and contribute to tension headaches. Contact your hearing specialist if your device is creating sounds that lead to agitation or annoyance. - Time to Adapt:
Remember: Your brain needs time to adapt to using 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.
Tips to prevent and treat headaches
- Get a Correct Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are professionally fitted to avoid pressure points in your ear canal.
- begin at a comfortable setting and slowly raise the volume to avoid overwhelming your hearing system.
- Use Noise Filters: Contemporary hearing aids usually have background noise reduction capabilities. If your device doesn’t have this, ask your audiologist about adjusting or upgrading the settings.
- Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some respite throughout the day to avoid sensory fatigue.
- Maintain regular check-ups with your audiologist for fine-tuning, particularly if you are feeling discomfort.
When to consult a hearing specialist for your headaches
It’s time to consult a hearing specialist if the headaches continue past the initial adjustment period or if they are accompanied by additional symptoms, including ear pain, dizziness, or nausea.
Headaches that persist could suggest an underlying issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or simply that your device settings are wrong.
A well-fitted hearing aid can improve your life
With professional assistance, headaches from hearing aids are generally temporary and simple to fix, in spite of being annoying. A correctly fitted hearing aid that meets your specific needs can dramatically enhance your quality of life without resulting in any discomfort. If any issues occur, make sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are important! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is leading to pain, your audiologist knows you’re likely to stop wearing it.
A Common Side Effects
If you’re experiencing headaches from hearing aids, don’t worry– they’re just a bump in the road to better hearing. Your experience is common, and some simple modifications can most likely resolve the issue. With the right care and adjustments, you’ll be back on track, enjoying conversations, music, and the little sounds of life in no time!
Schedule an appointment right away if you are dealing with headaches caused by your hearing aids.