Hearing aids are small, electronic devices designed to amplify sound, helping individuals with hearing loss perceive their acoustic environment more effectively. While these devices significantly improve communication and quality of life, they can sometimes cause minor side effects. Headaches are not a common long-term issue but can occur, especially during the initial phase of wearing the devices. This discomfort typically stems from two primary sources: the brain’s adjustment to new sound input and the physical interaction between the device and the ear anatomy.
Headaches Caused by Auditory Strain
The most common reason for headaches among new hearing aid users is the brain’s adjustment to a sudden influx of auditory information. After a period of hearing loss, the brain is “out of practice” in processing a full range of sounds, and the hearing aid reintroduces sounds that have been missing or muffled. This process creates a significant increase in cognitive load, often described as listening fatigue or auditory overload. The brain must work harder to filter and interpret the newly amplified signals, which can manifest as a tension headache, particularly in the temporal regions of the head.
This sensory strain is a temporary effect that typically resolves as the brain recalibrates its sound processing centers. If the hearing aids are programmed with an excessively high volume, it can overwhelm the auditory system, causing fatigue more rapidly. Unwanted noises, such as a high-pitched whistling sound known as feedback, can also irritate the ears and contribute to a tension headache.
Headaches Caused by Physical Fit
Pressure exerted by the device on the ear’s delicate structures is another cause of headaches. Hearing aids, whether custom-molded shells or standard ear tips, must fit snugly into the ear canal or surrounding cartilage. If the device’s shape or size is improperly matched to the wearer’s anatomy, it can create a localized pressure point that triggers pain. An ill-fitting earmold or shell may press against the sensitive tissues of the ear canal, leading to discomfort.
The ear canal is located close to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. Pressure from a poorly fitted hearing aid near this joint can cause referred pain, which is pain felt in a location different from the source. This referred pain leads to tension and headaches that originate in the jaw or surrounding facial muscles. An immediate refitting or adjustment is often necessary to resolve this mechanical source of pain.
Steps for Relief and Prevention
Managing and preventing hearing aid-related headaches involves addressing both the auditory and physical causes.
Addressing Auditory Strain
For auditory strain, a gradual wear schedule is recommended. Users should start by wearing the devices for only a few hours a day in quiet environments before slowly increasing the duration. This allows the brain to acclimatize to the increased sound input without becoming overwhelmed, mitigating listening fatigue. Working with an audiologist to ensure the initial volume settings are conservative and comfortable is also important.
Addressing Physical Fit
If the headache is caused by physical pressure, contact the audiologist for a professional refitting. They can adjust the device’s shell or mold, or take a new impression to create a better-fitting component that removes the pressure point. Checking for excessive earwax buildup is also worthwhile, as this can alter the fit of the device and push it against the ear canal wall. If headaches are severe, persistent beyond the initial adjustment period, or accompanied by symptoms like nausea or dizziness, a medical professional should be consulted.