With their ability to improve communication and quality of life, hearing aids are a major benefit. However, some people experience headaches when they first begin using hearing aids. Luckily, these headaches are usually fleeting and simple to manage with necessary adjustments and care, even if they are frustrating at first. Here, we’ll investigate the causes of these headaches and the best ways to address them!

Prevalent causes of headaches from hearing aids

• Improper Fit:
  Headaches and discomfort can result if an ill-fitting hearing aid presses on sensitive areas of your ear. When headaches occur soon after receiving a new hearing aid, the problem is often a poorly fitted device.
• A Rush of Sound:
  The brain requires a period to become accustomed to the increased volume of sounds it is processing. Initially, hearing sounds you couldn’t hear before– such as background noise– can be too much and induce headaches. The good news is that this phenomenon is typically temporary and should resolve soon.
• High Volume Settings:
  Headaches may result if the volume setting is too loud, as the increased sound input can cause fatigue in the auditory system. Try starting out at a lower volume and gradually raising over time as you adjust to your new normal.
• Unwanted Noise and Feedback:
  Hearing aids that make feedback or a high-pitched whistling sound can bother the ears and cause tension headaches. Talk to your hearing specialist if your device is making sounds that are leading to agitation.
• The Acclimation Phase:
  Your brain requires time to adapt to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. The brain will be re-learning how to process sounds during this adjustment phase, which can lead to minor discomfort, including headaches.

Tips to prevent and treat headaches

• Get a Proper Fitting: Be certain your hearing aids are expertly fitted to avoid pressure points in your ear canal.
• Begin at a comfortable volume and slowly raise it to prevent overwhelming your auditory system.
• Utilize Noise Filters: Modern hearing aids come with background noise reduction capabilities. If your device doesn’t have this, ask your audiologist about adjusting or upgrading the settings.
• Take Breaks: During the adjustment period, allow your ears and brain some respite throughout the day to avert sensory fatigue.
• Maintain regular check-ups with your hearing specialist for fine-tuning, particularly if you are feeling discomfort.

When you should contact a hearing care professional about your headaches

It’s time to seek advise from an audiologist if the headaches do not stop after the initial adaptation 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 may be indicated by headaches that continue.

A well-fitted hearing aid can improve your life

Though hearing aid headaches can be frustrating, they are generally temporary and are easily fixed with professional support. The correct hearing aid, correctly adjusted to fit your needs, can substantially improve your quality of life without causing discomfort. 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 causing you pain, your audiologist knows you’re prone to stop wearing it.

A Common Issue

Headaches as a result of hearing aids are common– they are just a minor setback on the road to clearer hearing. What you’re experiencing is common, and can probably be resolved with a few tweaks. The proper care and fine-tuning will allow you to soon get back to enjoying discussions, music, and the subtle sounds of life.

Book an appointment right away if you are suffering from headaches related to your hearing aids.