Why Do Hearing Aids Cause Headaches? Tips to Alleviate Discomfort

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.