Giving improved communication and a superior quality of life, hearing aids can truly be life-changing. Headaches can arise for some users during the initial period of using hearing aids. Even though this might be frustrating, it is fortunate that these headaches are generally temporary and simple to manage with appropriate care and fine-tuning. Let’s find out why these headaches develop and what measures you can take to solve them!
Common causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Poor Fitting:
Headaches and discomfort can arise if an ill-fitting hearing aid puts pressure on delicate parts of your ear. If you just purchased a new hearing aid and you’re experiencing headaches, an improperly sized device is likely to blame. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Let your brain have time to adapt to the louder sound input. Things you didn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel intense and bring on a headache when you first hear them. However, this effect is expected to disappear over time. - Excessive Volume Setting:
Setting the volume too loud can lead to auditory fatigue from the high-volume input, thereby triggering headaches. It’s best to start at a lower volume and slowly increase it as you become used to your new way of hearing. - High-Pitched Sounds:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can irritate the ears and contribute to tension headaches. Talk to your audiologist if your device is producing sounds that are causing agitation. - Adjustment Period:
Remember: Your brain needs time to get used to using your hearing aid. Headaches and other mild discomforts might be experienced by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-calibrates sound processing.
Solutions for treating and preventing headaches
- Seek a Proper Fitting: Have your hearing aids professionally fitted to prevent the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- Raise Volume Slowly: Start with a comfortable volume level and slowly 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, ask your audiologist about modifying the settings or upgrading the device.
- Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to avoid the onset of sensory exhaustion.
- Maintain Regular Contact: Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, specifically if you feel discomfort from your device.
When to see a audiologist for your headaches
It’s time to see a hearing specialist if the headaches persist past the initial adjustment phase or if they are coupled to other symptoms, such as ear pain, dizziness, or nausea.
Continuing headaches might signal that you have wrong device settings or an underlying issue, including a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.
How the correct hearing aid can enhance your life
With professional assistance, headaches from hearing aids are generally temporary and easy to fix, in spite of being annoying. Without leading to discomfort, the right hearing aid, properly adjusted to your needs, can significantly improve your quality of life. If any issues arise, make sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are essential! In the end, your hearing specialist knows that if your hearing aid is causing you pain, you’ll likely stop using it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are no cause for worry– think of them as a small obstacle toward better hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with minor adjustments. With the right care and adjustments, you’ll be back on track, enjoying conversations, music, and the subtle sounds of life in no time!
Schedule an appointment now if you are experiencing headaches as a result of your hearing aids.
