When it comes to hearing aids, these advanced devices have the power to improve your quality of life and your daily communication. But, it’s important to understand there is an adjustment period when getting used to your hearing aids, during which you may experience some minor side effects.
Luckily, your hearing instrument specialist will be able to make small tweaks to your settings or even the fit of your hearing aid to combat most of these mild side effects. When adjusting to your hearing aids, consider the following tips:
- Speak to your hearing instrument specialist and make sure that you have the right hearing aid for your hearing loss
- Get it checked for its fitting; if it’s not fitting properly this can cause discomfort
- Ensure that you have all the features that you need turned on
- Clean your hearing aid properly to prevent a build-up of bacteria and debris
- Speak to your hearing instrument specialist if you are in any way concerned
Hearing aids side effects
When hearing aids aren’t used correctly or the wrong kind of hearing aid is used, there can be side effects and they can make you feel uncomfortable. Some of the common side effects as a result of these issues include:
- Tinnitus
- Headaches
- Soreness around the ears
- Skin irritations
- Itchy ear canals
- Inability to hear properly
- Excessive feedback
With the help of your hearing instrument specialist, you can fix these issues pretty quickly. Let’s explore a few of these in more detail!
Headaches and tinnitus
If you are wearing a hearing aid that doesn't have the volume at the correct level, you can start experiencing headaches and ringing in the ears. Sometimes, this can lead to discomfort and that’s not what you want! With the right consultation with your hearing instrument specialist, though, you’ll be able to get this sorted pretty quickly. Hearing aids can take some getting used to when you’re new to them, but this is mainly down to the brain needing to relearn how to filter out the loud noises all over again. This isn’t something that will last, especially as you get used to wearing hearing aids.
Skin irritations and soreness
Sometimes, a hearing aid that fits poorly can be very uncomfortable to wear. Your hearing aid should fit you properly, secure, but comfortable. Otherwise, it’ll cause skin irritation. If it’s too loose the same can happen, too. You can avoid this side effect by going to a hearing instrument specialist and having your devices professionally fit.
Itchy ear canal
Whatever you do, don’t pull the hearing aid out and start scratching your inner ear as you can cause yourself some damage. Instead, clean your ears with a moist cloth to keep the ear canal moisturized and able to handle the hearing aid sitting there.
Sound issues
If the volume of your hearing aids is too low or too high, you can turn this down yourself. However, there are times you may need to see your hearing instrument specialist so that you can get it reprogrammed to be the right volume for you. You should also ensure that there is nothing blocking the receiver or the microphone!
Feedback and interference
Whistling, crackling and hissing are all annoying sounds that you cannot control. However, you can resolve it with the help of a hearing instrument specialist.
Managing your hearing aid side effects
With the help of a hearing instrument specialist, you’ll be able to completely understand how your devices should fit, operate, and how to maintain them. With finetuning and minor adjustments from your hearing instrument specialist, you can rest assured you will get the most out of your devices – comfortably. Similar to glasses, you get used to wearing them over time, too, which makes it much easier!
Hearing aids can give you back your confidence and ensure that you are comfortable at the same time. You should always see a hearing aid specialist to know whether your hearing aids are fitting you correctly. They will also teach you how to clean it and look after it, too. Hearing aids do not restore lost hearing ability in the same way glasses work for your eyes. They help you to hear better, and you will find that when you are wearing them correctly, you will be more comfortable.
Contact us today
With the help of Nu-Life Hearing Centre, you will be able to wear your hearing aids with confidence. Give us a call today at this phone number: (855) 867-7449 to set up an appointment with our expert team. You won’t regret it!
FAQs
One of the most common side effects of wearing and using hearing aids daily is the onset of headaches. This is due to the sudden influx of new sound in the ears, which have become used to experiencing lower levels.
Are there side effects to wearing hearing aids? ›
One of the most common side effects of wearing and using hearing aids daily is the onset of headaches. This is due to the sudden influx of new sound in the ears, which have become used to experiencing lower levels.
What is the biggest problem with hearing aids? ›
Hearing aid feedback and whistling
One of the most common problems encountered by hearing aid wearers is receiving feedback or hearing whistling sounds through the device. This often happens when sound leaks from the device's receiver and is picked up by the microphone, causing a frustrating feedback loop.
Can new hearing aids make you feel sick? ›
Dizziness, Headaches, and Tiredness
Your brain needs to adapt to the acoustic environment provided by your hearing assistance gadget. It is therefore very common to experience dizziness and headaches when you wear hearing aids for the first time.
Why is my hearing worse after wearing hearing aids? ›
After wearing them for a while, your brain gets used to the new and improved sound quality that hearing aids provide, and resets your normal or baseline hearing to the higher volume into account. Once you remove your hearing aids, sounds may be more dull or pitchy.
How many hours a day should you wear hearing aids? ›
If you have hearing aids, you may wonder how often you need to wear them to get the most benefit. To keep both your hearing and brain sharp, you should wear your hearing aids all day.
When should you not wear hearing aids? ›
For the most part, you should constantly wear your hearing aid, except for sleeping, bathing and swimming but in very noisy environments too. If environments are dangerously loud, it's important to protect your hearing and not wear your hearing aids.
Why do people avoid hearing aids? ›
Common Objections to Getting Hearing Aids: "My hearing isn't that bad" - Neglecting the severity of hearing loss. “People will think I'm old” – The stigma of hearing aids. “What if they don't work for me?” – Wondering if hearing aids will fix their hearing problems.
Why are hearing aids so uncomfortable? ›
Problem: The Hearing Aid Is Uncomfortable or Painful
Check to see that you have the hearing aid properly inserted into the ear. You may also need to check for wax buildup in the ear canal. If the discomfort persists, you may need the hearing aid shell to be modified or remade for a better fit.
How long does it take the brain to adjust to new hearing aids? ›
Is there an adjustment period to wearing hearing aids? It can take up to four months for you to get accustomed to your hearing aids and to really get the most out of them. You will notice small changes right from the start, but it's important to be patient.
Because of this, it's very common for people using the devices for the first time to feel dizzy or get a headache. Your brain is trying to work out how to deal with the new sounds and the new capacity to hear. The longer you have been experiencing hearing loss, the more of a challenge this can be.
Can hearing aids cause dizziness or vertigo? ›
Hearing aids don't typically cause vertigo or dizziness, but getting used to new hearing aids may take some time. Vertigo is often caused by inner ear issues. Hearing aids can take some getting used to, but they don't often cause vertigo or dizziness.
What makes expensive hearing aids better? ›
They include more hearing solution features and better programs to personalise your experience. The more features you want, the more expensive the hearing aids will be. That being said, cheaper hearing aids are still very powerful and effective.
Should I wear my hearing aids to bed? ›
Can you sleep with hearing aids? The answer is no! It is best to remove your hearing aids during the night, as it is important to let your ears rest and let the hearing aids recharge. It is therefore ideal to remove the hearing aids, open the battery doors and store them in their designated case on your bedside table.
Do hearing aids make your ears lazy? ›
No. If you wear hearing aids, your ears will not become dependent on them. When you remove the hearing aids, your hearing loss will be the same as before you inserted them.
Can wearing hearing aids make you feel dizzy? ›
Hearing aids don't typically cause vertigo or dizziness, but getting used to new hearing aids may take some time. Vertigo is often caused by inner ear issues. Hearing aids can take some getting used to, but they don't often cause vertigo or dizziness.
Can hearing aids cause inflammation? ›
Not only do improperly cleaned devices accumulate harmful bacteria that can turn into fungal infections, but moisture trapped by the earmolds of the hearing aids can cause the eustachian tubes to swell and trigger an ear infection.
What not to do with hearing aids? ›
In general, it is a good idea to avoid using hearing aids in the shower, in the swimming pool, or generally exposing them to water as well as storing them in damp places. A hearing aid that is excessively wet may stop working altogether or require the replacement of important parts, if not a complete replacement.
What to expect when you first start wearing hearing aids? ›
Your own voice might sound strange, and even familiar noises might seem different. Wearing a new hearing aid takes a bit of getting used to. Your ears need to get used to the sensation of wearing a hearing aid, and your brain suddenly has to start perceiving and processing many different sounds again.
