Are you new to hearing aids and now experiencing headaches? You’re not alone. Many new users go through an adjustment period where their brain adapts to the newly amplified sound. But does this mean that your new hearing aids are causing your headaches? The answer is likely more complex than you’d suspect.
How Your Brain and Ears Work Together
Your brain and your ears are much like teammates, working in concert to turn the sounds around you into signals your brain can understand. For many, as their hearing has declined, their minds have become desensitized to the loss. When a person gets hearing aids for the first time, their brain is suddenly made to process and refamiliarize itself with many new signals and sounds it hasn’t encountered in a while.
Similar to how your eyes need to adjust to a sunny day after leaving a movie, your ears and brain need time and exposure to fully acclimate to your new hearing.
Living in Colorado makes these auditory transitions even more noticeable. One minute you could be enjoying the sounds of nature on a mountain trail, and the next you’re dealing with the cacophony of Denver traffic.
Why Your Head Might Hurt
Generally speaking, there are five typical reasons a person might experience headaches when using their hearing devices:
They Don’t Fit Right
If your hearing aids don’t fit well, they can press against sensitive parts of your ear, causing pain. A proper fitting from a hearing specialist can make all the difference in your comfort. Small adjustments can help to eliminate pressure points that cause headaches.
The Volume is Too High
Many new users of hearing aids turn the volume on their devices up too high. Being exposed to new sounds, especially at higher volumes can overwhelm your brain causing headaches.
We recommend starting at a lower volume, gradually working your way up until you find a comfortable volume. Taking this kind of metered approach can give your mind the time it needs to adjust to processing sounds again after going without them.
Your Brain Needs Time to Adjust
When you begin using hearing aids, your brain will need time to relearn how to filter sounds. At first, you (and your brain) can become excited by all the new stimuli.
It will try to pay attention to everything, from the humming of your fridge to the sounds of birds chirping. That can be exhausting, with the additional mental fatigue triggering headaches as your brain works overtime to process all the new information.
Blockages and Earway
In some cases, earwax or objects can build up and block sounds from entering the ear. This can make your hearing aids work harder or distort the signals they receive. The dry Colorado climate can actually make earwax problems worse for some people, making regular cleaning and checkups even more important.
Incorrect Settings
Much like a fingerprint, each person’s individual sound profile is different. If your hearing aids aren’t programmed to accommodate your specific needs, sounds might seem unnatural and cause undue strain. Out of the box, generic settings rarely work well — personalized programming is key to maximum comfort.
How to Stop Headaches
Fortunately, there are a number of strategies and techniques you can use to make wearing your hearing aids more comfortable:
Take It Slow
Start by wearing your hearing aids for just a few hours each day. As your brain adjusts, gradually increase the amount of time you wear them each day. Think of it like training for a physical activity — you need to build up stamina over time rather than pushing too hard at first.
Keep the Volume Just Right
Work with our hearing experts to find the best volume setting for your condition. Louder isn’t always better! Finding the right volume should make speech clear without making background noises uncomfortable.
Get the Perfect Fit
If your hearing aids feel uncomfortable, we can help. Small adjustments, especially at this scale, can make a world of difference in comfort. Custom fitted hearing aids might cost more initially, but often provide better value and comfort in the long-term.
Take Breaks
It’s ok to give yourself rest periods, especially when you’re just starting out with hearing aids. If you feel a headache coming on, you should consider removing your devices for a short time, giving your brain and ears a break. For personalized advice and support in getting comfortable with your new hearing aids, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Clean Your Hearing Aids
Regular cleaning prevents earwax buildup, which can interfere with how your hearing aids are meant to work. At Colorado Ear Care, we can show you the right way to clean your specific device.
Work with a Hearing Specialist
We know better than most that hearing aids don’t represent the end of your hearing journey, but the beginning. With regular checkups and service, you’ll not only be able to find your fit, you’ll be making the time needed for adjustment shorter.
When to Get Help
A little discomfort when you first get hearing aids is normal and should be expected. But you should also talk to a professional if you experience:
- Headaches that get worse instead of better
- Pain in your ears that doesn’t go away
- Feeling dizzy or off-balance
- Trouble understanding speech, even with your hearing aids
How Colorado’s Climate Factors
Living in Colorado presents unique challenges for hearing aid users. Our state has everything from noisy cities to peaceful mountains, and your hearing aids need to work well in both environments.
Plus, our dry climate can affect how hearing aids function and how your ears produce earwax. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a team of hearing specialists who understand local conditions.
FAQs
Can hearing aids cause migraines?
Hearing aids don’t typically cause migraines, but they can trigger migraine or headache symptoms if they aren’t fit properly, used at excessive volume levels, or create discomfort. Finding the right fit and adjustment can be critical for minimizing these risks.
How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?
Most users are able to adjust within 2 to 4 weeks, but it can take some users as much as three months to fully adapt to these new devices.
Do all hearing aid users get headaches?
No. Many people are able to adjust to their new hearing aids without experiencing headaches at all. Others may experience mild discomfort, but it typically goes away quickly.
What should I do if my hearing aids hurt?
Contact us promptly. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself by altering the hearing aids or forcing them into your ears, as this could lead to more discomfort or damage. Our team of hearing specialists are the best resource to evaluate the fit of your hearing aids, check for any buildup or other ear issues, and adjust the settings to make them more comfortable.
Can earwax cause hearing aid headaches?
Yes. Earwax buildup can cause discomfort and interfere with sound clarity. Regular cleaning and check-ups can help prevent this issue.
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Hearing aids shouldn’t cause ongoing headaches. If you’re uncomfortable, there’s probably a simple solution. Don’t wait — with the right adjustments, you can enjoy better hearing without the pain.
The journey to better hearing isn’t always perfectly smooth, but the destination is definitely worth it. The world is full of wonderful sounds that are worth a little adjustment period. Don’t wait — book an appointment with one of our hearing specialists today.