What To Do When Your Hearing Aids Are Giving You Headaches
Are your hearing aids giving you headaches? While unusual, it is a reasonable concern. Whether newly acquired or used, your hearing aids do have the potential to cause headaches. However, numerous other factors could be causing your headaches. It is important not to dismiss them prematurely. If your hearing aids are the culprit, your hearing care provider is well-equipped to address the issue promptly.
Can Hearing Aids Cause Headaches?
Adjusting To New Hearing Aids
In cases of hearing loss, the brain becomes accustomed to receiving reduced sound input. Upon the introduction of hearing aids, the brain becomes tasked with processing a significantly greater volume of sound. This heightened cognitive workload may contribute to fatigue and, ultimately, lead to the experience of a headache. Like a muscle inactive for an extended period and then subjected to the strain of heavy lifting, your brain may become exhausted.
Small Sounds Can Be Constant
Beyond the sheer volume of information, the emergence of new auditory stimuli can be a potential trigger for headaches. Subtle sounds such as the air conditioner, animal sounds, and distant traffic sounds, which were once familiar, may now be overwhelming upon reintroduction after an extended absence. Consequently, the brain must readjust to constant sounds. This can be mentally taxing, potentially resulting in fatigue and headaches.
Settings Or Fitting Needs To Be Adjusted
Your hearing aids were set up at the clinic according to your audiogram, specifically for you. You may observe the performance of your hearing aids is affected by various settings. Excessive auditory stimuli in specific conditions can contribute to the onset of a headache.
The comfort level of your hearing aids may change from when you initially put them on. While they feel comfortable at first, they may become uncomfortable and irritating as you wear them throughout the day, potentially leading to discomfort or headaches.
Similar Issues Caused By Older Devices
Your hearing ability can lessen over time due to numerous factors, such as noise exposure and age. Unfortunately, using hearing aids doesn’t guarantee your hearing won’t become more impaired over time.
Going too long between check-ups or adjustments, you can have similar issues with fatigue and headaches.
Treating Headaches Caused By Hearing Aids
We suggest you consult your healthcare provider if you suspect your hearing aids are causing headaches. If you are experiencing challenges adjusting to your new devices, a hearing care professional can recommend how you can better adjust to an increased cognitive workload. With modern hearing aids, most issues related to fit or volume can be resolved without impacting sound quality through simple adjustments. If you are experiencing headaches related to your hearing aids or believe it may be time for a hearing test or an upgrade for your devices, we encourage you to contact us today.