Providing better communication and an enhanced quality of life, hearing aids are often transformative. Yet, a few individuals suffer from headaches when they first put on hearing aids. While this can be frustrating, the good news is that these headaches are typically short lived and easy to manage with the proper care and adjustments. We will now explore the causes for these headaches and how to resolve them.
The main reasons hearing aids result in headaches
- When the Fit is Wrong:
Headaches and discomfort can arise if an ill-fitting hearing aid presses on delicate parts of your ear. If headaches occur soon after receiving a new hearing aid, the problem is frequently an ill-fitting device. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Let your brain have time to adjust to the louder sound input. Initially, hearing things you previously couldn’t– like background noise– can feel excessive and trigger headaches. However, this sensation is should correct itself over time. - 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 start at a lower volume and slowly increase it as you adjust 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. Make sure to talk to your hearing specialist if your device emits any sound that causes agitation. - Time to Adapt:
Don’t forget: Your brain needs time to adapt to the use of your hearing aid. As the brain re-learns how to process sounds during this period, some individuals might experience slight discomfort, such as headaches.
How to treat and prevent headaches
- Have your hearing aids professionally fitted to prevent the formation of pressure points in your ear canal.
- begin at a comfortable setting and incrementally raise the volume to avoid overwhelming your hearing system.
- Modern hearing aids include features for background noise reduction. Consult your audiologist about adjusting the settings or getting a newer device if yours lacks this capability.
- Rest Your Ears and Brain: Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to prevent the onset of sensory fatigue.
- Maintain Regular Contact: Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, specifically if you experience discomfort from your device.
When to consult a audiologist for your headaches
It’s time to see an audiologist if the headaches do not stop after the initial adjustment or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, like 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 persist.
How the correct hearing aid can enhance your life
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are usually temporary and easy to resolve with professional assistance, though they can be frustrating. Without causing discomfort, the right hearing aid, properly adjusted to your needs, can substantially improve your quality of life. If any issues arise, make sure to contact your audiologist– your hearing health and comfort are important! In the end, your hearing specialist knows that if your hearing aid is creating pain, you’ll probably stop using it.
Hearing aid-assosiated headaches
Headaches resulting from hearing aids are no cause for worry– think of them as a minor setback toward better hearing. The problem you’re experiencing is common and likely requires only some simple adjustments to be resolved. With the correct care and adjustments, you’ll be back on track, enjoying conversations, music, and the subtle sounds of life in no time!
If you are experiencing headaches related to your hearing aid, book an appointment now.