Are There Any Possible Side Effects of Using Hearing Aids?

Loss of hearing loss has a become a common problem nowadays and it actually effected a lot of people, regardless of their age. The good news is that most hearing aids available on the market today are able to provide relief to such disorders so you can have improved hearing and still communicate with others.

What's the catch?

Just like any medical device, hearing aids may have potential side effects. But before you jump into any conclusions or make any drastic decisions, be sure to finish reading this article so you'll understand it better. So if you're thinking of using hearing aid, it's important for you to know these potential side effects and how to properly address them.

Itching or A Little Discomfort

A little discomfort or itching in the ear is actually one of the usual side effects of wearing a hearing aid. Such side effect may be due to several factors. One of which is that the earmold or dome may be ill-fitted. It's also possible that you might be allergic to the materials that were used in the hearing aid.

To prevent this form happening again, you'll most likely need to have your device's fit evaluated by a healthcare professional that specializes in hearing. In most cases, they will simply need to make adjustments on the share or size of the dome or earmold. For allergic-related cases, they'll probably recommend for you to use a hearing aid that uses hypoallergenic materials that are more skin-friendly.

Whistling Sound

Some users also experience feedback, or a whistling sound. This usually happens if the device has not been properly adjusted or when the earmold or dome is not properly inserted. This can be caused by a number of factors, including the size and shape of your ear canal or the type of hearing aid you're using.

For these cases, a hearing specialist will usually have to make adjustments with the settings of your device. This could either be the gain or the volume or in some cases, they'll recommend another hearing aid type that fits better with your ear canal.

Worsening of Hearing

Another side effect of using hearing aids that some people may experience is a temporary worsening of hearing. This can occur when first adjusting to the hearing aid, as it may take some time for the brain to adjust to the new sounds.

It's also possible for the hearing specialist to make adjustments on the settings so that your hearing will be improved.

The Tinnitus Effect

Tinnitus is the sensation of ringing or other noise in the ear and it's actually a common problem for those who are experiencing hearing loss.

Adjustments done by a hearing professional may also be needed in this case to lessen the noise and ringing in your ears.

Don't Worry, These Can Be Usually Resolved!

The good news is that...

Majority of the side effects mentioned above can be resolved by simply adjusting the fit or settings of your hearing aid. Another possible solution to this is to use an alternative brand instead. It is important to consult with a hearing healthcare professional if you experience any side effects, so they can help you troubleshoot and correct the problem.

It's also worth mentioning:

Most of these side effects we've discussed are relatively minor, and most people who use hearing aids experience no side effects at all. The benefits of using a hearing aid far outweigh the risks and side effects associated with them. Hearing aids can improve your quality of life by helping you to better hear and communicate with others, which can lead to increased socialization, improved job performance, and a higher overall sense and a higher overall sense of well-being.

In addition to that...

These side effects may not be primarily caused by hearing aids and can be due to contributory factors. For example, there's a possibility that having dry or itchy ears are related to a number of things such as allergies, eczema, or simply spending too much time in dry or air-conditioned environments. Tinnitus might also be caused by getting exposed to loud noise, taking certain medications, or even experiencing stress.

The bottom line? We highly recommend that you refer to a licensed and trusted hearing healthcare professional to know what's causing these symptoms and for them to give you the proper treatment for such issues.