The Link Between Migraines And Hearing Loss
For some, a migraine starts with mental and physical warning signs: tiredness, mood changes, craving sweet foods, feeling thirsty, a stiff neck, etc. For others, it begins with a visual aura or nausea. Then comes the notorious pain and pounding sensation in the head. If youre a migraine sufferer, youre probably familiar with your own stages of a migraine, but do you know about the link between migraines and hearing loss? Educate yourself on how migraines can permanently impact your hearing, and contact your doctor or audiologist to get treated today.
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Though an earache might be something most people remember from childhood, adults are not immune from them.
Ear pain in adults is less likely to be caused by an ear infection than ear pain in children.
In adults, the pain is more likely caused by one of a variety of issues:
- Arthritis of the jaw
- Tooth infection
Symptoms of an earache can include pain, fever, ear drainage, nausea, and vomiting.
When an adult has an earache, its important to treat the root cause of the problem, even if that problem isnt directly related to the ear, such as arthritis of the jaw.
If you experience ear pain that doesnt go away or gets worse within 24 to 48 hours you should call your doctors office.
Also call your doctor if you have severe pain that suddenly stops. This could be a sign that your eardrum has ruptured.
The type of earache you have determines the best treatment:
- For a general earache. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, rest in an upright position instead of lying down, and put a cold pack on the outer ear for 20 minutes
- For ear pain from pressure change. Swallow hard or chew gum
- For earaches caused by other medical issues. Visit your doctor to determine the best treatment on a case-by-case basis. This includes causes such as excess wax buildup, object in ear, sinus infection, sore throat, and tooth infection.
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Hearing Aids Side Effects
Not using the optimal hearing aid or not using it in the correct way could lead to some side effects that may bother you and make you feel uncomfortable. A number of common hearing aids side effects includes:
- Headaches and tinnitus
- Skin irritation, soreness, and discomfort
- Improper sound level and quality
- Itching in the ear canal
However, you can avoid these issues or fix them with the assistance of your audiologist.
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If Your Headphones Are Giving You Headaches
When, like in my case, your headaches are caused by the pressure your headphones are applying to your head, then the answer is simple. Just reduce the amount of time that you spend with them on.
If, for some reason, you are keeping them on, but you are not listening to anything, then you need to break that habit.
In contrast, if youre someone that just loves having music in your ears the whole day, then ask yourself, are you willing to sit with these headaches in order to be able to do this? Who can enjoy music with a splitting headache?!
There are still other means of listening to music that will not have this effect. Instead of having your headphones on when you are home alone, rather put the radio on or enjoy some quiet time. You will soon feel your headaches disappearing, and itll be well worth the compromise.
You might also be experiencing sore ears when having your headphones on for too long. And again, reducing your headphone-time will significantly prevent any damage to your hearing and also to your ears, enabling you to use your headphones for many years to come.
I did an in-depth article on how long you should be wearing your headphones. Be sure to look into it.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Hearing Aid Batteries
While there are no reported side effects of auditory aid batteries, you need to know how to select and store them.Because these batteries typically need frequent replacing, youll want to get long-lasting batteries and keep extras on hand.Hearing aid batteries are mostly zinc-air batteries, meaning that the zinc requires air for activation. Therefore, it is essential to keep battery packs sealed and at room temperature until youre ready to use them.
You should replace the batteries at the first sign that they are failing, as using depleted batteries could damage your hearing aid.
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Hearing Aids Should Not Be Causing Ones Tinnitus To Worsen And If They Do A Visit To The Audiologist Is Necessary Says Rivka Strom Aud Ccc
The audiologist should check that the hearing aid is not set inappropriately loud, continues Strom.
Hearing Aid Adjustments
It is important that the audiologist perform a test called real ear measures to ensure appropriate settings of the hearing aid and to make sure the hearing aid never gets too loud to the point where it can exacerbate the tinnitus, explains Strom.
Further, there is a condition known as hyperacusis which is highly comorbid with tinnitus.
Hyperacusis refers to sensitivity to loud sounds. Severe hyperacusis occurs when an individual has difficulty tolerating everyday sounds which do not seem loud to others.
Hyperacusis is not a disorder thats caused by anxiety or the so-called all in a persons head. Its a real condition, and its not just a mere dislike of certain sounds.
Many people with hyperacusis do indeed suffer from tinnitus.
So while plugging ones ears at the sound of piercing screams from playing children or an ambulance siren do not reflect hyperacusis, plugging ones ears to the sound of leaves rustling, the sound of two people on TV kissing, or the sound of a fan would be very suggestive of hyperacusis, or at least, selective hyperacusis.
Sometimes, the noise of everyday sounds can literally cause ear pain in someone with severe hyperacusis.
Dr. Stromis a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and has received several awards including Brooklyn Colleges Excellence In Audiology Award.
Your Hearing Aid Requires Adjustment If You Experience Any Of These Signs
If your hearing aids are not precisely fitted, they can cause headaches. Reasons being, they are not being used properly, or havent been adjusted for a while. If this is the case, the following problems may occur:
- Poor sound quality. Poorly adjusted hearing aids can boost the volume of high intensity sound causing a loud irritating feedback that can harm your ears. Hearing aids in this state can also make low intensity sounds disappear.
- Headaches and tinnitus. Hearing aids that are picking up loud sounds and further amplifying them can be painful to your ears and can trigger not only headaches but also tinnitus. This normally occurs in hearing aids with internal control settings that have been set too high.
- Feedback noise. Wind and other background sound can be picked up and boosted by your hearing aid, also producing screeching frustrating feedback.
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Your Hearing Aid Headaches May Be Normal
Lets start with the good news. If youve recently acquired new hearing aids, getting minor headaches may be perfectly normal. Theres always a small adjustment period when you first start using hearing aids.
For some people, this adjustment period can cause very mild headaches. In rare cases , this adjustment period can even cause migraines.
Remember, your brain is essentially re-learning how to hear.
Your hearing aid helps you hear new sounds that you havent heard for a while, and it can be a little overwhelming for the first few weeks.
However, in many cases, headaches are caused by a poor fit not the adjustment period.
Can Hearing Aids Lead To Headaches
by Carson Hearing Care | Jul 26, 2022 | Hearing Aids News
Hearing aids are designed to help compensate for your individual hearing loss problem. 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 individual needs and fit inside of your ear comfortably. If youre experiencing any pain or discomfort you should ensure that your hearing aid is adjusted properly and that its the right device for you.
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Problem #: Malfunctions Or Damage
Since hearing aids are intricate devices, a lot of people worry they are fragile and prone to breaking down, especially in the event they are dropped or stepped on! The concern about hearing aids malfunctioning is two-fold: covering replacement costs and suffering from downtime.The Solution: Buy your hearing aids from a reputable Beltone location in your community where you can get Belcare for your ongoing hearing aid service and support, including a warranty in the event of loss, theft or damage
Think you may be experiencing hearing loss? Give us a call today at 1-800-BELTONE or book your free hearing appointment at a Beltone location.
Signs Your Hearing Aid Needs To Be Adjusted
If your hearing aids are not properly fitted, hearing aids cause headaches, are not being used correctly, or havent been adjusted for a long time, the following issues may arise:
- Inadequate Sound Quality. Hearing aids that are not adjusted well can amplify high-intensity sounds, causing a loud screeching sound that is bothersome and causes damage to your ears. Hearing aids in this condition can also make low intensity sounds inaudible.
- Feedback Noise. Your hearing aid may pick up and amplify background noise, such as wind, which can result in annoying, high-pitched feedback sounds.
- Headaches and Tinnitus. Hearing aids that are picking up loud sounds and amplifying them further can be painful to your ears and can cause headaches as well as tinnitus. This typically occurs in hearing aids with internal control settings that have been set too high.
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How Many Hours A Day Should You Wear Hearing Aids
If you need a hearing aid, then you will need it on all though the day. The frequency of your hearing loss dictates how many hours you should wear them each day. If you have a mild to moderate hearing loss, then you should wear your aids for at least eight to 10 hours each day.
If you have severe hearing loss, then you may need your aids on all the time. When you are asleep, then are no need for a hearing aid
Can Wearing Hearing Aids Cause Headaches
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the cause of the headaches in question. If your headaches are actually migraines, then wearing hearing aids could trigger an attack. These symptoms can be treated with medication that specifically targets migraine symptoms . However, it’s important to note that many people confuse chronic daily headaches with migraine symptoms.
Chronic daily headaches are a much more serious issue than migraines and require careful treatment which often includes medications like antidepressants as the underlying condition may be something far more serious than initially thought.
In an ideal world, everyone would have access to high quality medical information and advice before making decisions about their health care.
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Problem #: Battery Life
Traditional hearing aids require compact batteries to operate, meaning youll always need to be aware of your hearing aids battery life.
The Solution: The best solution for battery runtime is Beltones rechargeable hearing aid models. Recent advancements in hearing aid technology have allowed Beltone to offer rechargeable hearing aid options that are convenient and eco-friendly.
If you opt for a traditional hearing aid model, be sure to carry plenty of spares while traveling or out and about. Beltone makes that easy by offering hearing aid batteries at a major discount from our online shop. Here are some additional tips:
- Check to see if your medical benefits cover hearing aid batteries, as many do!
- You can expect to get anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks out of each battery, so plan accordingly.
- Remember to switch off your hearing aids whenever youre not using them to help preserve battery life.
Check out our complete blog on the topic of changing out your hearing aid batteries.
How To Mitigate Side Effects
Maintaining a close working relationship with your audiologist throughout the process is essential. While there are often side effects, especially in the beginning, they are usually mild and can be easily remedied by your audiologist.
There is an initial period of adjustment, so be patient with yourself and with your hearing aids. If you experience any discomfort, we can help.
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Your Hearing Aid Requires Adjustment If You Notice Any Of These Signs
Headaches can be the outcome of improperly adjusted hearing aids. Reasons being, they are not being used properly, or havent been adjusted for a long time. If this is the case, the following issues may arise:
- Feedback noise. Your hearing aid may pick up and amplify background noise, such as wind, which can also trigger irritating, high-pitched feedback noises.
- 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. And low volume sound can get lost with hearing aids in this condition.
- Headaches and tinnitus. Loud noises that are further amplified can also trigger headaches and even tinnitus. Normally, this means the settings are too high.
Common Problems Hearing Aid Customers Face And How To Fix Them
Adjusting to life with hearing aids takes a bit of time, so it pays to be prepared for whatevers ahead. Keep reading for a list of some of the most common problems that hearing aid customers report and how Beltone hearing aids help you solve them.
Your hearing aids were a major investment, so Beltone wants you to be set up for success with your new equipment from your very first day. Thats why we offer our Belcare program of ongoing care and protection for the life of your hearing aids.
Below are some of the most common issues reported by hearing aid customers and how Beltone helps to solve them.
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Problem #: Maintaining An Active Lifestyle
When you first start wearing a hearing aid, its going to feel a little strange, maybe even bulky, despite its small size. Many people end up wondering how they are going to maintain the active lifestyles they are used to, like going to the gym or wearing a helmet while mountain biking.The Solution: Beltone hearing aids are so small they are unlikely to interfere with physical activity. Our devices are perfect for people with active lifestyles.
Further Damage To Your Hearing Impairment
People suffering from severe hearing impairment might not get the benefits of hearing care aids after long periods of use. Thats because of their inability to bear uncomfortable sound levels. While they may not be able to clearly hear low-pitched sounds, higher amplification of sound might cause further damage to their hearing. In the worst instance, it might even cause the loss of residual hearing.
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Relax If The Hearing Aid Is Bothering You Take A Break From It
How long does it takes to adjust to wearing hearing aids? It takes about 2-3 weeks to get used to the hearing aids if you are wearing them for at least 8 hours a day. That isnt a long time. However, it is an endurance process. If they are truly annoying to you take them off for a break or turn down the volume.
Some people choose to wear them for just a few hours the first few days and then gradually work their way up to full time use of the hearing aids.
Your Hearing Aid Needs To Be Adjusted If You Experience Any Of These Signs
If your hearing aids are not precisely fitted, they can lead to headaches. Usually, inadequate adjustment or improper use is the reason. Here are a few problems that may occur if youre experiencing this issue:
- Feedback noise. Wind and other background sound can be picked up and boosted by your hearing aid, also generating screeching annoying feedback.
- Headaches and tinnitus. Loud sounds that are further amplified can also cause headaches and even tinnitus. This typically occurs in hearing aids with internal control settings that have been set too high.
- Insufficient sound quality. Hearing aids that arent adjusted properly can boost high-intensity sounds, creating a loud screeching noise thats aggravating and causes damage to your ears. And low level sound can get lost with hearing aids in this state.
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Compromised Blood Supply To Auditory System
According to a study conducted by researchers at Assiut University Hospital in Egypt, there is a correlation between migraines and hearing loss. Out of 58 migraine sufferers, two-thirds had one or more abnormalities with their cochlea function and auditory pathways. Researchers need to conduct more studies to determine exactly how migraines can cause hearing loss. However, these particular researchers hypothesized that the abnormalities could be a result of compromised blood supply to the auditory system during migraine attacks.
Other researchers support these claims. According to a study published by JAMA Neurology, migraines can damage the small hairs in the inner ear. These hairs convert sound vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain. If the hairs dont receive an adequate supply of blood, they can eventually become damaged and die. During a migraine, a vasospasm of the labyrinthine arteries can cut off the supply of blood to the auditory system. This can lead to gradual, yet permanent hearing loss.