Hearing aids are often transformative, leading to better communication and a superior quality of life. But, a few people suffer from headaches when they first put on hearing aids. Even though this may be aggravating, it is fortunate that these headaches are usually temporary and easy to manage with proper care and fine-tuning. Here, we’ll explore the causes of these headaches and the best ways to prevent or treat them!
Why hearing aids can cause headaches
- Improper Fit:
Headaches and discomfort can arise if an ill-fitting hearing aid presses on delicate parts of your ear. If you just got a new hearing aid and you’re experiencing headaches, an ill-fitting device is most likely to blame. - A Rush of Sound:
Your brain requires time to adapt to processing louder sounds. Sounds you didn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel intense and cause a headache when you first hear them. Luckily, this phenomenon usually resolves on its own before long. - Volume Set Too Loud:
If hearing aids are too loud, the increased sound input can fatigue your auditory system, leading to headaches. It’s best to begin at a lower volume and slowly increase it as you become used to your new normal. - Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
A high-pitched whistling sound or feedback from hearing aids can irritate the ears and cause tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is generating sounds that are leading to agitation. - Adjustment Period:
Your brain requires time to adapt to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. As the brain re-learns how to process sounds during this phase, some people might experience minor discomfort, including headaches.
How to treat and avoid headaches
- Get a Proper Fitting: Make sure your hearing aids are expertly fitted to prevent pressure points in your ear canal.
- Gradually Adjust the Volume: Start at a low volume and slowly raise it to prevent overwhelming your auditory 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.
- Give your brain and ears a break during the adaptation period to avoid sensory fatigue.
- Maintain Regular Contact: Keep in touch with your audiologist for fine-tuning, especially if you feel discomfort from your device.
Knowing when to reah out to your hearing specialist for headaches
It’s time to seek advise from an audiologist if the headaches persist after the initial adaptation or if they come with other symptoms, for example nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Persistent headaches might indicate that your device settings are incorrect or that there’s an underlying problem, including an ear infection or hearing aid malfunction.
The advantages of a properly adjusted hearing aid
With professional assistance, headaches from hearing aids are usually temporary and easy to fix, despite being frustrating. The correct hearing aid, properly adjusted to fit your needs, can significantly improve your quality of life without causing discomfort. Should any issues occur, be 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 probably stop using it.
A Common Issue
If you’re dealing with headaches from hearing aids, don’t worry– they’re just a small hurdle to better hearing. This is a common experience, and it’s likely to be resolved with minor adjustments. The proper care and fine-tuning will enable you to quickly get back to enjoying discussions, music, and the little sounds of life.
Schedule an appointment now if you are experiencing headaches as a result of your hearing aids.