Can Hearing Aids Make You Dizzy?
Mar 12, 2025
It’s natural to feel skeptical when exploring ways to improve your hearing health. While the idea of hearing aids causing dizziness may be worrying, this sensation is rare and usually temporary.
Understanding how your body adjusts can help ease your mind and encourage you to prioritize your hearing health with professional guidance.
Can Hearing Aids Cause Dizziness?
So, can hearing aids make you dizzy? The short answer is yes—but it’s temporary.
When you start using hearing aids, your brain is introduced to a new world of sounds that it hasn’t processed in a while. This sudden influx of stimuli can occasionally lead to sensations of dizziness.
But don’t worry; as your brain learns to adjust, these feelings will fade away.
Imagine it as a recalibration of your personal auditory experience, much like adjusting to a new prescription for glasses.
Understanding Hearing, Balance, and Your Inner Ear
It’s important to understand the connection between hearing and balance. Your inner ear plays a crucial role in both areas, processing sound and helping maintain balance.
The cochlea, a part of the inner ear, is also linked to the vestibular system, which controls your sense of balance. When your brain processes sound from hearing aids differently, it can initially lead to dizziness. However, as you adapt, your balance will improve.
A period of adjustment is natural. This transition varies from person to person, but with the right support and professional guidance, it becomes smoother.
What Causes Dizziness With Hearing Aids?
Several factors could contribute to dizziness when using hearing aids:
Adjustment Period: Your brain is working overtime to adjust to newly amplified sounds. This period is akin to acclimatizing to high altitude—a bit disorienting at first but manageable over time.
Poor Fit or Discomfort: An improperly fitted device can cause physical discomfort, potentially leading to dizziness. If a hearing aid is too tight or placed incorrectly, it can put pressure on your ear, resulting in not only discomfort but also dizzying sensations.
Loud Settings: Overly loud settings or improperly calibrated devices might cause adverse effects. The volume setting is crucial, as sounds that are too loud can overwhelm the auditory system, leading to temporary dizziness.
Preexisting Conditions: Certain conditions, like Meniere’s disease, already affect balance and hearing health. If you have such a condition, using hearing aids may require more careful monitoring. It's advisable to consult a healthcare provider if dizziness persists or is a concern.
Earwax Buildup: Earwax can accumulate or block the ear canal with the use and inadequate maintenance of a hearing device, potentially causing dizziness. Engaging in regular cleaning and maintenance will help mitigate these risks.
Tips to Manage Dizziness
If dizziness becomes a concern, consider these strategies to mitigate it.
Seek Proper Fitting: Ensure your hearing aids are fitted and adjusted by a professional audiologist. A proper fit minimizes pressure points and potential discomfort, offering a seamless experience.
Increase Wearing Time Gradually: Allow your brain time to adjust by gradually increasing your wear time. Start by wearing your aids for a few hours each day and slowly extend this time.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly check for earwax buildup and clean your hearing aids. Keeping both your ears and devices clean helps ensure optimal performance and comfort.
Calibrate Settings: Make sure your devices are correctly calibrated to your specific hearing needs to prevent exposure to excessively loud sounds.
Consult a Professional: If dizziness persists, seeking a professional evaluation is key to ruling out other causes. A professional might recommend vestibular rehabilitation if a balance disorder is detected.
Effectively Manage Your Hearing Health
While dizziness from hearing aids is possible, it’s uncommon and usually a temporary part of adjusting to improved hearing. Addressing potential causes and seeking professional care can significantly enhance your experience.
If you have concerns or need assistance with your hearing health, don’t hesitate to reach out via requesting a callback or give us a call at (808) 597-1877.
By prioritizing professional advice and maintenance, you can ensure your journey with hearing aids is smooth, comfortable, and beneficial to your overall well-being.
