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Community
October 11, 2024
5 Min

Why Do Hearing Aids Cause Headaches? Tips to Alleviate Discomfort

For anyone using hearing aids, experiencing side effects like headaches can be frustrating. Find out why this is happening and how to prevent it!

Author:
Nicole Brener
Why Do Hearing Aids Cause Headaches? Tips to Alleviate Discomfort
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For anyone using hearing aids, experiencing side effects like headaches can be frustrating. Hearing aids are designed to improve your hearing, but when they cause discomfort, it might feel challenging to wear them. 

But why are hearing aids causing you headaches? And, most importantly, how can you prevent them?

Let’s take a look at common causes of headaches for hearing aid users as well as easy solutions and preventive measures to alleviate discomfort and enhance the overall hearing aid experience.

Common Causes of Headaches for Hearing Aid Users

Can hearing aids cause headaches?

The short answer is yes. Hearing aids can cause headaches, usually as a temporary side effect during the adjustment period.

During this adjustment phase, headaches may be common as your body adapts to the new hearing environment. Headaches caused by hearing aids sometimes are accompanied by dizziness and difficulty understanding speech. 

However, the good news is that this can be resolved with the help of an audiologist and a few tips to help you navigate the initial stages of becoming a hearing aid user. 

5 Reasons Why Hearing Aids May Cause Headaches

  1. Poorly fitted hearing aids: When hearing aids are too tight, they may strain your ear canal unnecessarily and cause headaches.
  2. Sensory Overload: With new hearing aids, your brain is suddenly receiving a lot of information it may not have heard in a while, which can lead to headaches.
  3. Volume Sensitivity: Loud or sharp noises can trigger headaches, especially if you have sound sensitivity.
  4. Allergic Reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the materials used in hearing aids, such as silicone or plastic, which can cause skin irritation or headaches. If this happens, hypoallergenic options are available.
  5. Earwax Buildup: Excess earwax can interfere with how hearing aids sit in the ear and may also trap sounds, leading to discomfort and headaches.

How to Prevent Headaches While Using Hearing Aids

Adjusting to hearing aids can be a process, but with patience and a positive mindset, you’ll soon enjoy their benefits. While it might take a little time to get used to the new fit and sounds, the following tips can help reduce discomfort and prevent headaches as you transition into regular use.

  • Get your hearing aids properly fitted by an audiologist to ensure your devices sit comfortably in your ear without putting pressure on sensitive areas.
  • If you’re a new user, gradually increase the time you wear them each day. This gives your brain time to adjust to the new sound environment at a comfortable pace.
  • Work with your audiologist to find the right volume level for you. To be safe, start with lower volumes and gradually increase the volume over several days to reduce the risk of headaches.
  • Take breaks while wearing them to relieve tension.
  • If available, use noise-canceling or sound-filtering options that reduce background noise. This feature can help prevent sensory overload and decrease the chances of a headache.
  • Dehydration and fatigue can exacerbate headaches, particularly when adjusting to new hearing aids. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest can help reduce discomfort.
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When to Consult an Audiologist

If headaches from your hearing aids persist or worsen, it’s time to consult an audiologist. They can make necessary adjustments, check the fit, and ensure your devices are set at an optimal level for your comfort. Sometimes, switching to a different style of hearing aid or adjusting the programming can make all the difference in your experience.

"At first, wearing my hearing aids was overwhelming. The noise levels were hard to handle, and I would get frequent headaches. But after a few adjustments by my audiologist and slowly increasing my wear time, the headaches went away. Now I hardly notice I’m wearing them, and my hearing has improved significantly." — Jane D., Hearing Aid User

Conclusion

Hearing aids are meant to enhance your life, not detract from it. While it’s common to experience side effects like headaches when first starting out, there are plenty of ways to prevent them. 

From getting the right fit to adjusting volume settings, these small tweaks can help you get the most out of your hearing aids without the discomfort. And remember, if headaches continue to be a problem, your audiologist is your best resource for finding a solution that works for you.

FAQs 

How long does it take to adjust to hearing aids without getting headaches?

The adjustment period for hearing aids varies from person to person. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to fully adapt. Most users report significant improvement after two to four weeks of regular wear. If discomfort persists after this period, it’s a good idea to consult your audiologist for adjustments or a re-fitting.

Are there specific types of hearing aids that are less likely to cause headaches?

In-the-ear (ITE) or custom-fitted hearing aids tend to cause fewer headaches since they’re specifically molded to fit your ear canal. Newer models come with features like noise reduction and automatic volume control, which can help prevent sensory overload and reduce the likelihood of headaches. Open-fit or receiver-in-canal (RIC) styles are also known to be more comfortable for extended wear as they are less intrusive.

What should I do if my hearing aids are causing headaches after months of use?

If you’ve been using hearing aids for a few months and suddenly start experiencing headaches, this may be due to changes in your hearing or how the devices fit in your ears. Scheduling an appointment with your audiologist is important, as they can recalibrate your hearing aids, adjust the fit, or check for underlying issues like earwax buildup or an allergic reaction to the materials.

Can stress or anxiety about using hearing aids contribute to headaches?

Yes, stress and anxiety can amplify discomfort, especially if you are worried about how others perceive you wearing hearing aids or are anxious about the sound amplification. Practicing mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or counseling can help alleviate some of the stress associated with hearing aid use, potentially reducing related headaches.

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Nicole Brener

Copywriter based in Miami, FL. Leads copywriting workshops and mentors women entrepreneurs at the Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. 
‍Read the announcement

Why Do Hearing Aids Cause Headaches? Tips to Alleviate Discomfort

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.