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.

Everybody’s hearing loss condition is unique and hearing aids are manufactured to compensate for those unique conditions. If your hearing aids are giving you headaches or any other kind of pain, whether you’ve been wearing them for years or you’re a new user, there’s a solution.

If your hearing aid is adjusted properly it will meet your personal needs and fit in your ear comfortably. If you’re encountering any pain or discomfort you should ensure that your hearing aid is adjusted precisely and that it’s the correct device for you.

Signs your hearing aid needs to be adjusted

Headaches can be the result of poorly adjusted hearing aids. Usually, poor adjustment or incorrect use is the reason. If this is the case, the following issues may arise:

  • Feedback noise. Wind and other background sound can be picked up and boosted by your hearing aid, also causing screeching frustrating feedback.
  • Headaches and tinnitus. Hearing aids that are picking up loud sounds and amplifying them further can be painful to your ears and can lead to not only headaches but tinnitus as well. Typically, this means the settings are too loud.
  • 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. Hearing aids in this state can also make quieter sounds disappear.

Over-the-counter hearing aids

Even though you can go to a local Pharmacy and get a less pricey personal amplification device (over the counter hearing aid), these devices won’t be programmed for your personal hearing loss needs.

Hearing loss is distinct to every person so simply amplifying all sounds won’t be enough to improve your hearing. Typically, specific wavelengths of sound are lost when somebody loses their hearing. In order for a hearing aid to allow people to hear clearly in different environments, they will need precise adjustment.

Having your hearing aid professionally adjusted

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

Your hearing aid should also make automated adjustments, which will allow you to hear background sounds in various settings without interference. In order to make sure you get the best hearing aids for your individual needs, you may need to come in more than once. If you have severe hearing impairment, the adjustments to your hearing aid will be done in stages to allow your brain time to adjust to louder sounds.

If you believe you might be dealing with an out of tune hearing aid, contact us today and make an appointment to get it checked out.

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.