Can Hearing Aids Lead to Headaches?

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

Everybody’s hearing loss situation is unique and hearing aids are manufactured to make up 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 type of pain, there is an answer.

If your hearing aid is properly adjusted it will meet your personal needs and fit inside of your ear comfortably. If you’re noticing any pain or discomfort you should make sure your hearing aid is adjusted precisely and that it’s the right device for you.

Your hearing aid requires adjustment if you experience any of these signs

If your hearing aids are not precisely fitted, they can trigger headaches. Usually, inadequate adjustment or improper use is the reason. Here are a few problems that could arise if you’re experiencing this problem:

  • Feedback noise. Wind and other background noise can be picked up and amplified by your hearing aid, also producing screeching frustrating feedback.
  • Insufficient sound quality. Hearing aids that aren’t adjusted well can amplify high-intensity sounds, causing a loud screeching noise that’s bothersome and causes damage to your ears. And low level sound can get lost with hearing aids in this condition.
  • Headaches and tinnitus. Loud noises that are further amplified can also cause headaches and even tinnitus. Usually, this means the settings are too high.

Over-the-counter hearing aids

While over-the-counter hearing aids, commonly referred to as personal sound amplification devices, are available at your local pharmacy, and are less expensive than prescription hearing aids, they won’t be customized to meet your distinct hearing loss requirements.

Improving your hearing demands more than just amplifying sounds because hearing loss is unique to the individual. There are many cases of hearing loss where individuals lose the ability to hear a specific frequency. Hearing aid settings have to be adjusted to help the person hear effectively in different environments.

Getting your hearing aid professionally adjusted

Having your hearing aid professionally adjusted is the best way to make sure your device is correctly fitted. Custom-fitted hearing aids will be designed just for you using molds of your ears. Once the right fit is obtained, it will be necessary to adjust the hearing aid settings so you can differentiate unwanted noise and the sounds you want to amplify.

Your hearing aid should also make automatic adjustments, which will allow you to hear background noises in various environments without interference. 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 significant hearing loss, your brain will need to get used to hearing again in stages, so your hearing aid will need to be programmed in stages.

If you think you might be suffering from an out of tune hearing aid, contact us today and schedule an appointment to have it assessed.

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.