Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Headaches are never enjoyable—especially when you are adjusting to new hearing aids. If the two occur at the same time, it’s natural to wonder: Are my hearing aids causing my headache? Like many health improvements, hearing aids can sometimes come with temporary side effects.
Can hearing aids cause headaches? Yes, it is possible—but uncommon. A poorly fitted hearing aid, whether physically in your ear or acoustically in sound settings, could cause headaches. In some cases, new users experience headaches as their brain adjusts to the increased sound. However, headaches from hearing aids are rare and often temporary.
As an audiologist with over 12 years of clinical experience, I can say that I’ve rarely encountered this complaint. Still, I’ve researched what other audiologists report so you can be informed and prepared.
Hearing Aids and Headaches
Hearing aids can have side effects, and while headaches are unusual, they can occur. Common causes include:
- Volume too loud – Over-amplification can overstimulate your brain, leading to discomfort.
- Poor physical fit – An uncomfortable fit can cause ear soreness and referred pain.
- Too much auditory stimulation – Your brain may need time to adjust to new sounds.
- Adjustment stress – The process of adapting to hearing aids can be mentally taxing at first.
How to Adapt to Hearing Aids and Avoid Headaches
1. Have Realistic Expectations
Hearing aids are powerful tools, but they do not restore perfect hearing. They are designed to improve your hearing and help you participate more fully in life—not to make it exactly as it once was. Adjustment takes time; for some, it’s a few weeks, for others, several months. Avoid expecting an “instant fix.”
Many new hearing aids end up in drawers because people didn’t anticipate the adaptation period. Commit to wearing your hearing aids regularly, and give your brain the opportunity to adapt.
2. Ensure a Comfortable Fit
Your hearing aids should feel comfortable. If they cause irritation or pressure, talk to your audiologist immediately. This could be a fit issue or require a different style or dome. Make adjustments within the trial period to avoid long-term discomfort. See my current recommendations for comfortable, high-quality hearing aids.
3. Set the Right Volume
If your hearing aids are too loud, they can cause headaches. Sounds that seem fine in a quiet clinic may feel overwhelming in noisy environments. On the other hand, setting the volume too low means you won’t hear well. Start with your audiologist’s recommended settings—often at or slightly below prescription level—and adjust after a few weeks if needed. Learn more about real ear measurements for accurate sound settings.
4. Take Breaks if Needed
Most people adjust to wearing hearing aids within 2–3 weeks when wearing them for at least 8 hours a day. If you experience discomfort, take short breaks or reduce the volume temporarily. Gradual wear—starting with a few hours a day—can help ease the transition.
What to Do If Your Hearing Aids Cause Headaches
- Remove the hearing aids until the headache subsides.
- Try wearing them another day to see if the headache returns.
- Lower the volume to reduce stimulation.
- Schedule a follow-up with your audiologist to check fit and settings.
Most headache issues can be resolved with minor adjustments or a short adaptation period. Don’t give up too soon—hearing aids offer tremendous long-term benefits.
Headaches from hearing aids are often linked to poor fit or over-amplification, but they can usually be solved with adjustments. For a broader look at treatment paths beyond hearing aids, explore our Guide to Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment Options.
Related Questions
Does wearing a hearing aid lower ear sensitivity? No. In fact, research shows that hearing aids can slow the progression of hearing loss by keeping the auditory pathways active.
What other side effects can hearing aids cause? Some users experience skin irritation, occlusion (hearing your own voice loudly), or a tinny sound quality. Learn more about common side effects of hearing aids and how to fix them.