Hearing aids are often life-changing, resulting in superior communication and a higher quality of life. Headaches can arise for some users during the initial period of using hearing aids. Fortunately, these headaches are generally fleeting and straightforward to manage with the right adjustments and care, even if they are annoying at first. Read why these headaches occur and what measures you can take to solve them!

Prevalent causes of headaches from hearing aids

• Poor Fitting:
  Headaches and discomfort can result if an ill-fitting hearing aid puts pressure on sensitive parts of your ear. An ill-fitting device is probably the cause if you are getting headaches shortly after acquiring a new hearing aid.
• Overwhelmed by Sound:
  Let your brain have time to adjust to the amplified sound input. Sounds you couldn’t hear before– like ambient noise– can feel intense and cause a headache when you first hear them. Fortunately, this phenomenon typically resolves on its own before long.
• High Volume Settings:
  If the hearing aids are adjusted too loud, the excessive auditory input can cause sensory fatigue, resulting in headaches. Try beginning at a lower volume and slowly increasing over time as you get used to your new level of hearing.
• High-Pitched Sounds:
  Tension headaches can be the result of a high-pitched whistling sound or feedback that is produced by your hearing aids and bothers your ears. Be sure to talk to your hearing specialist if your device emits any sound that leads to agitation.
• Adjustment Period:
  Your brain needs time to adapt to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. Headaches and other mild discomforts may be experienced by some during this adjustment period, as the brain re-calibrates sound processing.

How to manage and prevent headaches

• A Proper Fitting is Key: Be sure your hearing aids are professionally fitted to avoid any pressure points inside your ear canal.
• Begin at a low volume and slowly raise it to prevent overtaxing your auditory system.
• Utilize Noise Reduction: Newer hearing aids have features for background noise reduction. Ask your audiologist about adjusting the settings or upgrading the device if yours lacks this capability.
• Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, give your ears and brain some rest throughout the day to avoid sensory fatigue.
• Keep in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning, specifically if you feel discomfort from your device.

When to see a hearing specialist for your headaches

See a hearing specialist if the headaches last after the initial adaptation time or if other symptoms– like nausea, ear pain, or dizziness– are also present.

Continuing headaches might indicate that you have wrong device settings or an unseen problem, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection.

The benefits of a correctly adjusted hearing aid

With professional help, headaches from hearing aids are usually temporary and simple to resolve, despite being annoying. Without causing discomfort, the right hearing aid, properly adjusted to your needs, can significantly boost your quality of life. Reach out to your audiologist if you run into any issues; your hearing health and comfort matter! The truth is, your hearing specialist is aware that if your hearing aid is painful, you are likely to cease wearing it.

A Common Side Effects

If you’re dealing with headaches from hearing aids, don’t worry– they’re just a minor obstacle to better hearing. Your experience is common, and a few simple modifications can probably resolve the issue. You will quickly be back to enjoying music, conversations, and the small sounds of life with the correct care and adjustments!

Contact us for an appointment today if you are having headaches due to your hearing aids.