If you’ve recently started wearing hearing aids and have experienced a headache, you may wonder whether the two could be connected. While headaches aren’t a typical part of wearing hearing aids, some people may notice discomfort as they adjust to new sounds, or if their hearing aids aren’t quite right for them.
There can be a number of reasons for discomfort, from getting used to hearing sounds differently to the fit or settings of the hearing aids. In many cases, a simple adjustment or a little time to adapt can help.
Why might hearing aids cause headaches?
There are several reasons why someone might experience a headache after wearing hearing aids.
Your brain is adjusting to hearing more sound
When you first start wearing hearing aids, you may suddenly become aware of sounds that you haven’t heard clearly for some time.
For many people, this can be one of the most enjoyable parts of getting hearing aids. The sound of birds singing, leaves rustling in the breeze or everyday sounds around the home can be surprising — and sometimes bring a real sense of joy at being able to hear more of the world around you again.
Meanwhile, your brain may need a little time to become familiar with all these sounds. Everyday noises such as footsteps, rustling paper, kitchen appliances or background conversations may seem more noticeable at first.
This can sometimes feel tiring, particularly during the first few days or weeks. As you become more familiar with the sounds around you, listening will often feel more natural and comfortable.
The sound may feel too loud
Hearing aids are designed to amplify sounds according to your individual hearing needs. However, if sounds feel uncomfortably loud, sharp or overwhelming, it may be that the settings need some adjustment.
Modern hearing aids can also use advanced processing and AI-powered features to help distinguish speech from background noise and make conversations easier to follow in more challenging environments. Depending on your hearing needs and lifestyle, these features may provide additional support in situations such as busy restaurants, family gatherings or when several people are speaking.
If the sound doesn’t feel quite right, you don’t need to simply put up with it. Your audiologist can review the settings and make adjustments to help create a more comfortable listening experience.
Your hearing aids should feel comfortable to wear
A headache isn’t always related to the sound itself.
If a hearing aid, earmould or earpiece isn’t sitting comfortably, you may notice pressure, irritation or discomfort around your ear. This can sometimes contribute to a headache or a general feeling of discomfort.
Comfort is an important part of getting the most from your hearing aids. Whether you’ve just started wearing them, have noticed a change in how they feel, or think they may need adjusting or servicing, it’s worth having them checked.
From the initial fitting and getting used to your hearing aids, through to future adjustments and servicing, professional support can help make sure they continue to fit comfortably and work well for you.
Can headaches be part of getting used to hearing aids?
For some people, wearing hearing aids can take a little getting used to.
As well as adjusting to new sounds, you may find yourself concentrating more as you become accustomed to hearing conversations and sounds that were previously difficult to hear. This can feel tiring at first.
Starting with shorter periods of wear and gradually increasing the amount of time you wear your hearing aids can help some people adjust more comfortably. If you’re unsure how quickly to build up your wearing time, your audiologist can offer guidance based on your individual needs.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different. Some people adjust very quickly, while others may need a little more time. Don’t worry if it takes a little while to feel completely comfortable.
What should you do if your hearing aids are giving you a headache?
If your hearing aids are causing discomfort, don’t be afraid to mention it — it’s worth getting them checked rather than simply giving up on them.
Hearing aids should be comfortable enough to use as part of your everyday life. If something doesn’t feel right, there may be a simple adjustment that can help.
Your audiologist can check that your hearing aids are fitting correctly and that the settings are appropriate for your hearing needs. They can also talk through when the headaches occur and whether there are particular sounds or situations that seem to make them worse.
Sometimes, a small adjustment can make a significant difference to comfort.
The aim isn’t simply to get used to discomfort. It’s to find a comfortable way for you to benefit from better hearing.
A little adjustment can make a big difference
Starting to wear hearing aids can be an exciting change, but it can also take some time to get used to hearing differently.
If you’ve noticed headaches or discomfort, there may be a simple explanation — whether that’s your brain adjusting to new sounds, the level of amplification, or the physical fit of the hearing aids.
You don’t have to work it out on your own. If something doesn’t feel quite right, speak to your hearing care professional. They can help make sure your hearing aids are comfortable, appropriately fitted and suited to your hearing needs, so you can feel more comfortable as you adjust to better hearing.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe headaches, or have any other symptoms that concern you, speak to your GP or hearing care professional.
