Many prospective users of hearing aids express concerns about potential side effects, one of the most common being dizziness.  

You may find yourself wondering, "Can hearing aids really make me dizzy?"  

While it’s understandable to be skeptical, the good news is that dizziness from hearing aids, while possible, is rare—and usually temporary. 

Can Hearing Aids Cause Dizziness? 

Dizziness can occur after getting hearing aids, especially during the adjustment period. As your brain acclimates to enhanced auditory input, those initial sensations may include feelings of lightheadedness or imbalance.  

This adjustment phase is a normal part of adapting to new sounds. So if you experience some dizziness, remember it may just signal your brain is processing sounds differently than before. 

What Can Cause Dizziness With Hearing Aids?

• Adjustment Period: When using hearing aids for the first time, your brain needs time to adapt to the improved auditory signals. This process can sometimes lead to temporary dizziness. 

• Poor Fit or Physical Discomfort: A hearing aid that doesn’t fit correctly can exert pressure in your ear, which might induce discomfort or even dizziness. Getting a personalized fitting from a licensed audiologist can alleviate this concern. 

• Overly Loud or Improperly Calibrated Settings: If your hearing aid is set to amplify sounds too loudly or is not adjusted for your unique hearing needs, it may overwhelm your ears and brain, resulting in dizziness. Regular appointments and hearing aid checks can ensure that your aids are correctly calibrated. 

• Pre-Existing Conditions: Vestibular conditions such as Meniere's disease can contribute to dizziness—using hearing aids might not be the sole cause. If you have such conditions, it's important to consult with your healthcare professional. 

• Earwax Buildup: Hearing aids can cause earwax buildup or blockage if not maintained properly. This can obstruct sound pathways and affect balance. Regular maintenance and earwax removal services can help mitigate this issue. 

Tips to Manage Dizziness

If you're concerned about dizziness when using hearing aids, there are some steps you can take to adjust your devices to better fit your needs. 

• Proper Fitting and Adjustments: Partner with your audiologist for a tailored fitting. Your audiologist can also make necessary adjustments based on your comfort and sensitivity. 

• Gradual Wear Time: Introduce your hearing aids gradually. Start with short periods of wear and slowly increase the duration as your brain adapts to the new sounds. 

• Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular visits for maintenance, including earwax checks, to ensure your hearing aids are functioning optimally. 

• Seek Professional Help: If dizziness persists even after ruling out other potential causes, consult your hearing health expert to discuss your experience and explore potential solutions. 

When to Seek Help From the Professionals 

Stay attentive to any concerning signs that may necessitate a visit to your friendly neighborhood hearing healthcare team, such as severe or prolonged dizziness, hearing aid discomfort causing significant pain, or a sudden change in hearing capability. 

Addressing any such symptoms promptly is crucial for your comfort and safety. While some individuals may experience dizziness when first using hearing aids, it’s typically a temporary adjustment issue rather than a sign of a fundamental problem.  

Your hearing health is important to your overall quality of life, and if you have questions or feel uncertain at any stage, don't hesitate to reach out—you can rely on our expert help for every step of your hearing health journey. 

Schedule an appointment today or contact us over the phone to see how we can help you with your hearing health!