Giving improved communication and a superior quality of life, hearing aids can truly change lives. When first starting to use them, some users experience headaches. Luckily, these headaches are generally fleeting and simple to manage with necessary adjustments and care, though they are frustrating at first. We will now explore the reasons for these headaches and how to prevent or treat them.
Prevalent causes of headaches from hearing aids
- Poor Fitting:
If your hearing aid isn’t fitted correctly, it can press against sensitive parts of the ear, leading to pain and headaches. An ill-fitting device is likely the cause if you are experiencing headaches shortly after getting a new hearing aid. - Overwhelmed by Sound:
Your brain requires time to adjust 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. The good news is that this phenomenon is usually temporary and should resolve before long. - Excessive Volume Setting:
When hearing aids are too loud, the high level of sound input can fatigue your auditory system, which can cause headaches. Begin with a lower volume and gradually raise it as you acclimate to your new normal. - High-Pitched Sounds:
Hearing aids that produce feedback or a high-pitched whistling sound can bother the ears and lead to tension headaches. In case your device is making irritating sounds, talk to your hearing specialist. - Adjustment Period:
Your brain requires time to become accustomed to using your new hearing aid, so keep that in mind. While the brain re-learns how to process sounds during this period, some individuals may feel slight discomfort, including headaches.
How to manage and prevent headaches
- Get a Proper Fitting: Be certain your hearing aids are expertly fitted to avoid pressure points in your ear canal.
- Raise Volume Slowly: Begin with a comfortable volume level and slowly raise it to prevent overwhelming your auditory system.
- Use Noise Filters: Contemporary hearing aids come with background noise reduction capabilities. If your device doesn’t include this, ask your audiologist about upgrading or adjusting the settings.
- Throughout the day, take breaks during the acclimation period to prevent the onset of sensory exhaustion.
- Regular Check-ups: Stay in contact with your audiologist for fine-tuning adjustments, particularly if your device is causing discomfort.
When to see a audiologist for your headaches
It’s time to see a hearing specialist if the headaches do not stop after the initial adaptation or if they come with other symptoms, for example nausea, ear pain, or dizziness.
Headaches that do not go away could indicate an underlying issue, such as a hearing aid malfunction or an ear infection, or simply that your device settings are wrong.
The advantages of a correctly adjusted hearing aid
While headaches caused by hearing aids can be frustrating, they are usually temporary and easy to fix with professional assistance. Without causing discomfort, the correct hearing aid, customized to your needs, can significantly boost your quality of life. If you experience any problems, contact your audiologist– your comfort and hearing health matter! Your audiologist understands that pain from your hearing aid is likely to cause you to stop wearing it.
Temporary Headaches are Normal
Do not worry if you’re experiencing headaches from your hearing aids– they are just a small obstacle on the path to better hearing. This is a common experience, and it will probably be resolved with a few adjustments. The right care and fine-tuning will allow you to soon return to enjoying discussions, music, and the little sounds of life.
If you are experiencing headaches related to your hearing aid, schedule an appointment now.