Hearing Health

Why Your Ears Hurt After Wearing Headphones

Q: Pressure and fit issues

Improper fit of headphones and hearing aids can lead to discomfort and pain. Whether too tight or poorly shaped, devices that don’t fit well can press on the outer ear, ear canal, or surrounding areas. This pressure can cause soreness, tenderness, or a feeling of fullness. To alleviate pressure-related pain, ensure your devices are well-fitted. Adjust the size and positioning of headphones and consult an audiologist to tailor hearing aids to the unique contours of your ear.

Q: Earwax build-up

Earwax build-up can significantly contribute to ear discomfort and other related issues. Excessive earwax can cause a feeling of fullness, pressure, or pain in the ear canal. As earwax accumulates, it may push against the eardrum or other parts of the ear, leading to discomfort. A build-up of earwax can muffle sounds or affect the clarity of your hearing. This can make it difficult to hear clearly and may cause you to increase the volume on your headphones or hearing aids, potentially leading to further discomfort. Blocked earwax can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, potentially leading to ear infections. Symptoms of an infection may include pain, itching, or discharge.

The impact of headphones and hearing aids on ear health

Aug, 21, 2024

Daily use of headphones and the risks involved

Headphones are a staple in our daily lives, used for communication, streaming TV shows, and various other activities. Despite their convenience and comfort, improper use can lead to hearing problems. Rather than advocating a complete ban on their use, it's essential to understand how excessive or improper use can impact our hearing health.

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Why do headphones and hearing aids cause ear pain?

Experiencing ear pain from headphones or hearing aids is a common issue that can stem from various factors. Understanding these causes can help you address and prevent discomfort effectively.

Pressure and fit issues

Improper fit of headphones and hearing aids can lead to discomfort and pain. Whether too tight or poorly shaped, devices that don’t fit well can press on the outer ear, ear canal, or surrounding areas. This pressure can cause soreness, tenderness, or a feeling of fullness.

To alleviate pressure-related pain, ensure your devices are well-fitted. Adjust the size and positioning of headphones and consult an audiologist to tailor hearing aids to the unique contours of your ear.

Allergic reactions or sensitivities to materials

Sensitivities to materials used in headphones and hearing aids can cause irritation:

Allergic reactions: Materials such as foam, leather, synthetic fabrics in headphones, or plastics, silicones, and metals in hearing aids can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms may include itching, redness, or inflammation.
Managing sensitivities: Opt for hypoallergenic materials where possible and maintain regular hygiene by cleaning your devices to reduce potential irritants.

If you experience material-related discomfort, switching to hypoallergenic options and keeping your devices clean can help reduce irritation.

Overuse and ear fatigue

Extended use of headphones or hearing aids can lead to ear fatigue:

Fatigue from continuous use: Listening to audio for long periods or wearing hearing aids continuously can strain the auditory system. This can result in a sensation of fullness, discomfort, or pressure.
Safe usage practices: Follow the 60/60 rule for headphones—listen at no more than 60% of maximum volume for 60 minutes at a time and take regular breaks. For hearing aids, ensure they are properly adjusted and consult your audiologist for optimal settings.

By addressing fit, material sensitivities, and usage habits, you can improve comfort and reduce ear pain associated with both headphones and hearing aids.

Volume levels and sound quality

Listening to audio at high volumes can strain your auditory system and lead to ear pain or hearing damage. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds may cause discomfort, a sensation of pressure, or even temporary hearing loss.

Distorted or low-quality sound can force you to increase the volume to compensate for clarity, which can also strain your ears. This constant adjustment can lead to ear fatigue and discomfort.

Earwax build-up

Earwax build-up can significantly contribute to ear discomfort and other related issues. Excessive earwax can cause a feeling of fullness, pressure, or pain in the ear canal. As earwax accumulates, it may push against the eardrum or other parts of the ear, leading to discomfort.

A build-up of earwax can muffle sounds or affect the clarity of your hearing. This can make it difficult to hear clearly and may cause you to increase the volume on your headphones or hearing aids, potentially leading to further discomfort.

Blocked earwax can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, potentially leading to ear infections. Symptoms of an infection may include pain, itching, or discharge.

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Medical conditions that can exacerbate ear pain

Ear Infections: Symptoms include pain, itching, redness, and discharge. Headphones and hearing aids can worsen infections by trapping moisture and bacteria. Ensure proper hygiene and a good fit to prevent irritation.
TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause ear pain due to the joint’s proximity to the ear canal. Headphones or hearing aids might aggravate this pain by applying pressure to the jaw and ear area.
Existing Hearing Conditions: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can be worsened by high volumes. Hyperacusis (sensitivity to sounds) can be exacerbated by the amplified sound from headphones or hearing aids.

The risks of excessive use

Ear Infection: Excessive use can lead to infections by creating a moist environment. Keep headphones clean and well-fitted to avoid moisture build-up.
Tinnitus: High volumes can worsen tinnitus. Follow the 60/60 rule to manage symptoms and reduce auditory stress.
Hearing Loss: Prolonged high-volume use can cause permanent hearing loss. Maintain moderate volume levels, take breaks, and use noise-cancelling headphones to avoid excessive volume.

How can discomfort be managed?

Ensure Proper Fit:

Adjust headphones and hearing aids for a comfortable fit.
Consult an audiologist for custom fitting of hearing aids.

Choose Hypoallergenic Materials:

Opt for headphones and hearing aids made from hypoallergenic materials.
Regularly clean your devices to avoid irritants.

Follow Safe Usage Practices:

For headphones, use the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% volume for up to 60 minutes, then take breaks.
Ensure hearing aids are optimally adjusted and take regular breaks if recommended by your audiologist.

Manage Earwax Build-Up:

Clean the outer ear gently with a soft cloth.
Use over-the-counter ear drops to soften earwax.
Seek professional help for safe earwax removal if needed.
Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal.

What should you do if discomfort persists?

If discomfort continues despite following proper cleaning and fitting guidelines, it’s essential to seek professional help. Consult your hearing care specialist or audiologist for a thorough examination to identify the root cause of the issue. They can provide tailored solutions, such as adjusting the fit, recommending alternative models, or addressing specific skin sensitivities. Persistent problems may also warrant a review of your hearing aid’s maintenance routine or a discussion about potential underlying health conditions that could be contributing to the discomfort. Regular follow-ups with your specialist can help ensure that your hearing aids continue to provide comfort and optimal performance.

Any questions?

Make an appointment and visit us. Our audiologists will be happy to answer all your questions about hearing and show you our range of Amplifon hearing aids.

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