Can Headaches be Caused by Hearing Aids?

A distraught senior man sitting on his couch suffering from a headache because his hearing aids were not properly adjusted.

Everyone’s hearing loss condition is unique and hearing aids are designed to compensate for those unique conditions. Whether you are new to using hearing aids or have been wearing them for years, if your hearing aids cause headaches or any other kind of pain, there is a solution.

A properly adjusted hearing aid will fit comfortably in your ear and provide the quality of amplification that meets your individual requirements. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort you should ensure that your hearing aid is adjusted properly and that it’s the correct device for you.

Your hearing aid needs to be adjusted if you experience any of these signs

If your hearing aids are not properly fitted, they can cause headaches. Normally, inadequate adjustment or improper use is the reason. Here are a few issues that could occur if you’re having this problem:

  • Feedback noise. Your hearing aid may pick up and boost background noise, such as wind, which can also trigger irritating, high-pitched feedback sounds.
  • Inadequate sound quality. Improperly adjusted hearing aids can increase the volume of high intensity sound causing a loud annoying feedback that can harm your ears. And low volume sound can get lost with hearing aids in this condition.
  • Headaches and tinnitus. Loud sounds that are further amplified can also trigger headaches and even tinnitus. This usually happens in hearing aids with internal control settings that have been set too high.

Over-the-counter hearing aids

While over-the-counter hearing aids, typically referred to as personal sound amplification devices, are obtainable at your local drug store, and are less expensive than prescription hearing aids, they won’t be tailored to meet your distinct hearing loss needs.

Hearing loss is distinct to every individual so simply amplifying all sounds won’t be enough to improve your hearing. Often, specific frequencies of sound are lost when someone loses their hearing. Hearing aid settings have to be adjusted to allow the individual to be able to hear adequately in different environments.

Professional hearing aid adjustment

One of the best ways to ensure your hearing aid is properly fitted is to have your customized hearing aid fitted and adjusted. Custom-fitted hearing aids will be designed just for you utilizing molds of your ears. The settings will be programmed to target your specific hearing loss situation after the proper fit is attained.

You should also be capable of hearing sound in lots of different environments with automated adjustments made by your hearing aids. This might require a few visits to make sure you obtain the hearing aid that’s right for you and correct for your lifestyle. And with severe hearing loss, your brain will need to become accustomed to hearing again in stages, so your hearing aid will have to be programmed in stages.

Contact us for an appointment if you think your hearing aid might need a tune-up.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aids#hearingaid_08

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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