Offering better communication and an improved quality of life, hearing aids are usually life-altering. Headaches can arise for some users during the first period of using hearing aids. While this can be aggravating, the good news is that these headaches are generally temporary and easy to manage with the proper care and adjustments. Let’s examine why these headaches happen and how to prevent or treat them!

The main reasons hearing aids cause headaches

• When the Fit is Wrong:
  An improperly fitted hearing aid can cause pressure on the ear’s sensitive structures, causing headaches and discomfort. If headaches occur soon after getting a new hearing aid, the issue is often an ill-fitting device.
• Sound Overload:
  The brain needs a period to adapt to the amplified 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 is should correct itself over time.
• High Volume Settings:
  When hearing aids are too loud, the high level of sound input can fatigue your auditory system, leading to headaches. Try beginning at a lower volume and gradually increasing over time as you acclimatize to your new level of hearing.
• Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
  Hearing aids that make feedback or a high-pitched whistling sound can bother the ears and cause tension headaches. Speak with your hearing specialist if your device is making sounds that lead to agitation or annoyance.
• Time to Adapt:
  Remember: Your brain needs time to adapt to using your hearing aid. Headaches and other minor discomforts may be experienced by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-learns sound processing.

Solutions for treating and preventing headaches

• Get a Proper Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are professionally fitted to prevent pressure points in your ear canal.
• Raise Volume Slowly: Begin with a comfortable volume level and gradually raise it to prevent overwhelming your auditory system.
• Modern hearing aids have features for background noise reduction. Consult your audiologist about changing the settings or getting a newer device if yours doesn’t have this capability.
• Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some respite throughout the day to avoid sensory fatigue.
• Ensure you see your audiologist regularly for fine-tuning, particularly if your device is causing discomfort.

When you should consult a hearing care specialist about your headaches

It’s time to see an audiologist if the headaches persist after the initial adjustment or if they come with other symptoms, for example nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.

An underlying problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or wrong device settings might be indicated by headaches that continue.

The advantages of a correctly adjusted hearing aid

Headaches resulting from hearing aids are usually temporary and straightforward to manage with professional help, though they can be frustrating. Without leading to discomfort, the correct hearing aid, customized to your needs, can substantially improve your quality of life. If you experience any problems, reach out to your audiologist– your comfort and hearing health matter! At the end of the day, if your hearing aid is leading to pain, your audiologist knows you’re prone to stop wearing it.

Hearing aid-related headaches

If you’re experiencing headaches from hearing aids, don’t worry– they’re just a bump in the road to better hearing. What you’re going through is common, and can likely be resolved with a few tweaks. The appropriate care and adjustments will get you back on track, enjoying the small sounds of life, music, and conversations in short order!

Contact us for an appointment now if you are experiencing headaches due to your hearing aids.