Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Hearing aids can dramatically improve your quality of life, but like any medical device, they may come with side effects. The good news? Most are temporary, manageable, and often disappear as you adapt. In this 2025 updated guide, we’ll explore both common and newly recognized hearing aid side effects, plus proven solutions to keep your hearing journey comfortable and effective.
1. The Occlusion Effect: Your Voice Sounds Different
The occlusion effect occurs when your own voice sounds echoey, hollow, or unnaturally loud while wearing hearing aids. This happens because the ear canal is partially blocked, trapping sound vibrations inside. While this can feel strange at first, it typically fades as your brain adapts.
- Choose open-fit domes to allow sound to escape naturally.
- Ask your audiologist to reduce low-frequency amplification.
- Test different hearing aid styles to find the most natural voice quality.
2. Ear Fullness or “Plugged” Sensation
Many new users experience a sensation of fullness, similar to water in the ear. This is often due to the physical presence of the hearing aid or the occlusion effect. Using vented ear tips or a smaller dome size can help reduce this feeling.
For more, see our guide on choosing comfortable hearing aids.
3. Skin Irritation and Pressure Sores
Improper fit, allergies to materials, or prolonged wear can cause itching, redness, or sores. This is especially common with RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) devices that rest behind the ear.
- Switch to hypoallergenic domes or earmolds.
- Ensure tubing and wires are the correct length.
- Remove hearing aids periodically to allow your skin to breathe.
4. “Tinny” or Harsh Sound Quality
New users often describe amplified sounds as “tinny” or too sharp, especially in the high frequencies. This is because speech clarity relies on high-pitched consonants that hearing aids boost.
Try a gradual volume adaptation process to let your brain adjust. Premium devices like the Oticon Intent 1 or Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere now include AI-driven sound processing to balance sharpness with natural tone.
5. Whistling or Feedback
Hearing aid feedback is a high-pitched squeal caused by sound leaking from the ear canal back into the microphone. While modern aids have feedback suppression technology, poor fit or wax buildup can still cause problems.
Cleaning your device regularly and ensuring a snug fit are the best defenses.
6. Itchy Ears
Itchiness may result from dry skin, moisture, or friction. Our itchy ears guide covers moisturizing drops, lubrication, and professional adjustments.
7. Headaches
Headaches from hearing aids are uncommon but may be linked to excessive loudness or poor fit. If symptoms persist, see your audiologist and check your volume settings.
8. Dizziness or Balance Changes
Some users report temporary dizziness when first wearing hearing aids. This can occur because amplified sound gives the brain more sensory input than it’s used to, affecting spatial orientation. The sensation typically disappears after a short adjustment period.
Learn more in our dizziness and hearing aids article.
9. Ear Canal Infections
Moisture trapped by hearing aids can increase the risk of ear infections, especially in humid climates. Keeping your ears dry, using a hearing aid dryer, and cleaning regularly can prevent bacterial buildup.
CDC ear care recommendations: Read here.
Final Thoughts
Most hearing aid side effects are temporary and manageable with the right adjustments. Partner with your audiologist, be patient during the adaptation period, and use the wealth of resources on Hearing Insider to make your experience as smooth as possible.
Like any medical device, hearing aids may have side effects—but most are manageable with the right support. For a deeper look at both device use and alternative treatment routes, explore our Guide to Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment Options.