Why Do Headphones Give Me A Headache?

Many people, like myself, want to be able to use headphones for prolonged periods of time when listening to music, podcasts, or playing video games without getting a headache.

You are undoubtedly one of the luckiest people on the globe if you have the ability to wear headphones for extended periods of time without experiencing any discomfort.

Our team has done extensive research on the question “Why do headphones give me a headache” and has identified a number of causes and treatments, supported by scientific data, including elements like individual age and headphone connections.

In this essay, we’ll examine the fundamental causes of this phenomenon and possible treatments for headaches brought on by headphones. Understanding the connection between headphones and headaches will help you take proactive steps to reduce pain and completely enjoy your audio experiences without suffering any negative side effects.

Why Do Headphones Give Me A Headache?: A Complete Overview

Following are a few significant causes of headaches from headphones:

The brain is affected by headphones

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many people can identify with the terrible feeling that wearing headphones can give them headaches. There are several things that might cause headaches, like using earbuds for an extended period of time, which can hurt your ears.

Pain can develop even after just a few minutes of using ill-fitting headphones. We will explore the exact causes of these headaches in further depth in the following section.

The Main Causes of headaches from headphones:

The following important causes of headaches from headphones are covered:

1. The use of headphones too close

Putting on headphones that are too close or tight can cause headaches, according to a recent study that was published in the journal Headache. According to the study, people who already frequently have headaches may find that the limited blood flow to the head produced by tight-fitting headphones makes their condition worse.

2. Putting on uneasy headphones

Like fingerprints, each person has a different ear shape. A standard ear and head size is used by manufacturers when designing headphones. However, wearing improperly fitted headphones can cause headaches in the area of the ears because the typical size may not fit everyone.

It’s vital to remember that manufacturing flaws like broken ear cups can also result in headaches from headphones.

3. Using headphones while sleeping

Many people are unaware that sleeping with headphones on might actually cause headaches. The use of headphones is intended to filter out outside noise and light, which can interfere with sleep and cause dehydration. 

4. Using headphones that are not good for your ears

Similar to fingerprints, every person has a different ear shape. As a result, headphone manufacturers design their products based on the average size of ears and heads. It’s crucial to understand that not everyone will fit perfectly into the average size, though.

Therefore, continuing to wear improperly fitting headphones may result in ear headaches. Additionally, manufacturing flaws like shoddy ear cups can also contribute to headaches brought on by headphones. The following point will explain the impact of poor ear cup padding.

5. An ear cup’s padding is too thin

Maintaining a secure space between the ears and the headphones’ internal mechanisms requires adequate padding on the ear cups. Unnecessary pressure on the ears from improperly constructed headphones can cause discomfort and agony. Furthermore, using these headphones may irritate your skin. The next point will clarify a frequent error that I, too, committed up until a few years ago.

6. Inappropriate headphones ear tips

There are three sizes of ear tips- small, medium, and big, and it’s crucial to choose the right one for your ear shape. The incorrect ear tips can have a negative effect on the sound quality and noise-canceling abilities of headphones.

Furthermore, forcing earbuds into the ear can be uncomfortable and painful. I can attest to this because I frequently used larger ear tips and experienced negative effects.

We’ve examined issues with the gadget itself up to this point, but did you know that human error can also result in migraines brought on by headphones? Detailed information about this subject is provided in the section that follows.

7. Excessive headphones use

Like any other audio instrument, prolonged and excessive usage of headphones can cause headaches. Due to the tension and stress they may generate, wearing headphones for an extended period of time increases your risk of getting a headache. Headaches caused by headphones can be attributed to a number of sources, including:

• Long-term usage of headphones can cause the neck and jaw muscles to become tense, which causes them to uncomfortably spasm and causes headaches.
• The pressure inside the skull might rise as a result of headphones, causing discomfort and suffering in the temples and behind the eyes.
• Headaches can also be brought on by ear fatigue and pressure from headphones.

To ease the pressure on the muscles and lower the risk of headaches caused by wearing headphones, it is crucial to be aware of these aspects and take the appropriate rest.

8. Increase in volume

Loud music can be a risky indulgence for people who suffer from migraines. Even if we all like to listen to music loudly and lose ourselves in it, this can have unfavorable effects on migraine patients.

In addition to overstimulating the auditory system, loud music amplifies the pounding agony that comes with migraines. Therefore, the rock song you’re listening to through your headphones may be more than simply a distraction from your worries; it may also be a migraine trigger.

9. Non-fitted headphones and spectacles

Not correctly fitting headphones can be uncomfortable and make headaches worse. Tension headaches may result from wearing headphones that are overly tight or place too much pressure on the head and ears. Conversely, ill-fitting headphones may not be effective in isolating sound, which may tempt the user to turn up the volume, which can be taxing on the ears.

This issue can be resolved and the likelihood of getting headaches decreased by choosing headphones that fit properly and adjusting them for a comfortable fit.

10. Not wearing headphones with noise cancellation

Noise cancellation is one of the main causes of headaches when wearing headphones. Your brain detects an imbalance when the outside noise is adequately muffled by your headphones, which could cause a headache. Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem.

An efficient solution is to wear headphones with active noise-canceling technology. By lowering the amount of background noise that enters your ears, this technology lowers your risk of getting a headache while letting you listen to music comfortably.

11. Current medical conditions

People who suffer from migraines, tension headaches, or ear infections may be more prone to headaches brought on by headphones. Such people should seek medical advice from a doctor for the best direction and help.

According to the American Headache Society, the three main forms of headaches are:

• The Frontal Sinus Headache (FSH)
• Occipital Neuralgia (ON)
• Maxillary Sinus Headache (MSH)

Each kind is started by a distinct method. Pressure on the front of the brain causes FSH, pressure on the back of the brain causes ON, and pressure on both sides of the skull results in MSH.

It is crucial to comprehend the potential effects of headphone use on diverse headache situations because headphones have the ability to cause all three types of headaches through a variety of mechanisms.

12. Age Level

Some people get headaches from headphones more easily as they get older. It is advised to consult a doctor for medical advice if you are over 40 and frequently have headaches while wearing headphones.

13. Otitis media:

Headaches and ear infections can both get worse when wearing headphones. If you have an ear infection, it is suggested that you wait to use headphones until the infection has cleared up.

Advice: How Can Headaches From Headphones Be Prevented?

1. If necessary, take breaks

When wearing headphones for an extended period of time, take a break every 60 or 50 minutes to give your ears a chance to rest and heal in order to avoid headaches.

2. Take in a lot of water

Headaches can be aggravated by dehydration. To stay hydrated, make sure you consume enough water throughout the day. Hydration is important for general health since it might reduce how often you get headaches.

3. Put on earmuffs or earplugs:

Reduce the volume of music or films if you must wear headphones for an extended period of time. The likelihood of getting a headache can be decreased by reducing the noise that the headphones are amplifying.

4. Use headphones with noise cancellation

Although they can provide a more immersive listening experience, some people may have headaches after using noise-canceling headphones. These headphones use active noise-canceling technology, which uses microphones to record outside sounds and produce inverse sound waves to cancel them out.

However, some individuals may experience discomfort or headaches as a result of this additional processing. It is advised to use noise-canceling headphones sparingly or use versions with a noise-cancellation level that can be adjusted in order to create a more comfortable and customized experience while reducing the likelihood of headaches.

5. Try not to spend too much time wearing headphones

The most frequent sort of headaches brought on by wearing headphones for extended periods of time can be avoided by taking frequent pauses. While it could be difficult for music lovers, adhering to the 60/60 rule (taking a break every 60 minutes for at least 60 seconds) can be helpful in lowering the risk of headaches.

6. Wear only while you are actively listening to something. 

Even without listening to anything, some people wear headphones all day long in the modern world to avoid social interaction. It is crucial to make an attempt to break this behavior because it not only promotes greater social engagement but also shields against compression headaches.

7. Headphones can be adjusted to your preference

Many headphones have settings that may be changed, letting you alter the fit to meet your particular head shape. For a comfortable fit, you can change the default settings for the strap to make it larger or smaller.

Similarly to this, if you get headaches from earbuds but not from headphones, you might want to experiment with various ear tips to find a better fit that lessens pain and lowers your risk of headaches.

8. Low-volume headphones use

You can perhaps avoid headaches when using headphones by adjusting the volume of your music equipment. People who experience headaches frequently link their symptoms to prolonged, loud audio or music listening.

It’s crucial to remember nevertheless that loud noises of any volume can cause headaches. The danger of headaches brought on by headphones can be reduced by striking the correct balance and avoiding loud volume levels.

9. Don’t wear headphones to bed

Consider potential medical causes of your headaches if they are being exacerbated by headphones, and get the necessary testing done. To further lessen discomfort, some precautions can be taken. Avoid using headphones with a neckband or over-the-ear design while you sleep, for instance, as they can limit head movement and aggravate neck pain.

Additionally, give priority to getting a good night’s sleep, making sure you follow a regular sleep plan to receive enough rest each night. Making correct use of headphones and getting enough sleep a priority will assist to reduce headaches brought on by headphones.

10. Look for a comfortable pair of earbuds

For the best chance of avoiding headaches, choose the right set of headphones. When determining your choice, consider the following:

• Comfort: Choose headphones with soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit.
• Fit: Make sure the headphones are snugly secured over your ears, avoiding excessive pressure on the top of your head or your temples.
• Noise Isolation: Look for headphones with strong noise isolation features to avoid having to crank up the volume to block out outside noise, which can cause headaches.

By taking these things into account, you may pick headphones that put comfort, a good fit, and noise isolation first, reducing the likelihood that you’ll get headaches from your headphones.

11. Choose the Right Fit by Testing Several Pairs of Headphones

There are many different styles of headphones, and they can cause various headaches. Excessive bass, tight bands, and misaligned ears can all cause tension headaches. Additionally, because everyone’s sensitivity to sound differs, it is advantageous to test out many models to see which is best.

Try using earbuds or in-ear headphones if your misaligned ears frequently give you tension headaches. On the other hand, consider over-the-ear or on-ear headphones if sound sensitivity is an issue. You can choose the headphones that are best for you and reduce your chance of getting headaches by trying out various models.

12. Keep a straight posture:

To avoid neck strain and lower the chance of headaches, it’s critical to maintain appropriate posture while wearing headphones. Ensure that your neck and spine are in alignment by sitting up straight.

Avoid excessively slouching or leaning forward since this can strain the neck and perhaps cause tension headaches. You can reduce discomfort and facilitate a more comfortable listening experience by adopting a good posture.

13. Consult a physician:

It is advised to get expert medical counsel and speak with a doctor if you frequently experience severe headaches or have a pre-existing medical condition.

Headaches and headphones

Headaches are not always caused by wearing headphones, whether they are wired or wireless. However, it’s crucial to be aware that some Bluetooth-enabled wireless headphones could make headaches worse by exposing users to electromagnetic radiation.

Wireless headphones expose people to very little radiation, but those who have electromagnetic hypersensitivity may be more prone to headaches from them.

It is advised to use wired headphones or headphones that use lower frequency technology, such as Bluetooth 4.1 or lower, to limit the danger as they can assist reduce radiation exposure and possibly lessen the likelihood of headaches.

Finding a comfortable pair of headphones:

1. Dimensions of the headphones:

The size of the headphones is important since it affects how much pressure is placed on your ears when wearing them. If the headphones are too small or tight for your ears, they may exert too much pressure, which may result in discomfort and headaches.

Conversely, if the headphones are too big or loose, they might not fit snugly and damage sound quality, necessitating the need to turn up the volume. 

2. The headphone’s customizable design:

The design of the headset is important since it affects how snug or loose the fit is. A well-made pair of headphones guarantees a snug fit that doesn’t feel too loose or too tight, which enhances the listening experience.

3. The material type used to make the headphones:

The comfort of the user is substantially impacted by the materials used in headphone construction. Compared to headphones with a metal headband, those with a fabric headband often offer more comfort since the softer material offers a more comfortable fit against the head.

The user’s experience can be made more comfortable and delightful by taking into account the material used in headphone manufacturing.

4. Consider the headphone’s weight:

Always choose lightweight headphones to avoid adding unnecessary weight or discomfort to your head. Generally speaking, headphones that weigh less than 60 lbs. are thought to be lightweight and offer a better listening experience.

5. Find an Appropriate Clamping Force:

When choosing headphones, it’s important to take the clamping force—the pressure the headphones put on your head—into account. It is advised to look into and experiment with methods that can assist you change the default clamping force to suit your comfort requirements.

To achieve a comfortable fit and good listening experience, it is highly recommended to check and evaluate this factor before purchasing headphones.

6. Look for options for adjusting

A kind of headphones that offers additional adjustability choices allows for better customization. By choosing headphones with more customization options, you may adjust the fit and settings to suit your tastes, creating a more individualized and comfortable listening experience.

FAQs

1. Are earbud tips painful for the ears?

The earbud tips often feel almost nonexistent to users. However, having tips that are the right size is essential for this experience. Consider investing in new ones if yours are unpleasant and fit better.

2. How may a compression headache be treated?

When the skull is compressed or the blood arteries in the head narrow, compression headaches may result. It is advised to raise your head and open your eyes to promote better blood flow and respite from the discomfort in order to treat these headaches.

3. How Can I Wear Headphones While Wearing Glasses?

It is advised to use a case to protect your headphones when wearing glasses to avoid any harm. If you don’t use glasses, you can keep the headphones in place comfortably by wearing a headband around your hair.

4. Why make sounds Why do my earbuds that block out sound hurt?

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to block out background noise and deliver a rich musical experience. But for certain people, the complete sound isolation they provide might occasionally cause headaches. Consider utilizing headphones with passive noise reduction to avoid this; they offer a more balanced auditory experience while lowering the risk of headaches.

5. Why does my head feel pressured and heavy?

Even if it is exclusively the result of the headphones themselves, the capacity of headphones to shut out background sounds can give the head the impression of being heavy and under strain.

Final Thoughts

Headaches brought on by headphone use are more common these days, and while they are not life-threatening, ignoring them could result in other health issues. Despite their advantages, headphones can be painful and uncomfortable for the head and ears.

Finding the underlying cause is essential if you are experiencing these symptoms. One typical cause is the tightness of the headphones, a problem that many people experience. Additionally, acoustic damage brought on by mishaps can result in headphone-related pain.

It is advised to take pauses, use correctly fitting headphones, stay away from high volume levels, and seek medical attention if necessary if your headphones are making you uncomfortable. You can reduce the frequency of headaches brought on by headphones and put your health first by adhering to these recommendations.