It is common to experience headaches the first few times you use your headset. Indeed, the ear needs to get used to the pressure and sound of this new device. Headphones also need to be done, since when they leave the factory, they are standardized and rigid. It will therefore gradually adapt to the morphology of your head. However, when the headache is persistent after several uses, or too intense, sometimes even unbearable, it is necessary to be concerned about it. Find out then, what can be the causes of headache from headphones? Et what to do to prevent headaches from appearing?
Headphones that hurt your head: what are the causes?
Two very distinct origins can explain why your helmet gives you a headache : too much pressure exerted on a part of your head, or a hearing too sensitive to the sound of headphones. It is important to find the origin of your pain to solve it effectively since the treatment of these two problems will not be identical.
Headache due to helmet pressure
In the majority of cases, the headache problem actually comes from the support or the pressure of the helmet which is unsuitable to your morphology. Indeed, the part of the body close to your ear is particularly sensitive, especially the rock, the area behind the ear. The helmet presses on this piece of bone and this triggers intense headaches or migraines. This occurs all the more in people who have eyeglasses, since the rigid branches will press even more on this part.
Headache from the sound of headphones
It happens, in more rare cases, that the sound of the helmet is involved in the onset of headache. Indeed, each helmet has its own sound signature, and some sound frequencies are not supported by people. Generally, the ear ends up getting used to it after several uses. However, if the headache doesn't go away, gets worse, or is unbearable, then it's best not to persist.
In this case, you must test one or more other headphones to see if the problem is indeed the sound specific to your headphones or sounds in general. Whether your headaches persist with other helmets, we advise you to consult a doctor or ENT to determine if it is an acute sensitivity to noise or if you have a hearing problem.
Important: Of course, it is necessary to remember thattoo much listening can cause headaches and migraines, and ultimately hearing loss. If you tend to turn it up loud, also try turning it down to see if that impacts your headache.
Also note that if you wish to change your helmet, it is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity for 2 years (in France). However, headache is not always considered a reason for reimbursement. So, check the terms of your warranty contract carefully to avoid being cheated.
Find the source of headaches with your headphones
To be certain of the origin of the problem, then try to wear your headphones without playing music or any sound. If your headphones are still causing pain, even without music, then pressure from your headphones is causing the problem. Otherwise, if you do not feel any pain when you wear your headphones without sound, then the problem comes from the sound frequencies of the latter.
Note that it can also happen that your headache is from a combination of factors, especially if you use it with your PC: blue light from the computer, extreme concentration, unsuitable position, headphones that are used too much, audio too loud, etc. In this case, it is necessary to do different tests to test all the factors that can cause headaches in front of a computer, and therefore know if the headset is the only one causing the problem.
What to do when your helmet hurts your head?
If you have a persistent headache with your headset, it is necessary that find a solution. Note that here we see the headache issues related to the physical pressure exerted by your helmet. If your pain comes from the sound frequency of the headphones, refer to our previous section on the subject.
Adjust the height of the headphones
The first thing to do when your headphones hurt your head is trying to adjust the height of the headphones in a different way. Indeed, as seen previously, the headache generally occurs because the pressure exerted on a part of the ear is too strong. But that means another part of your ear may be less sensitive! Sometimes just a few millimeters different placement is enough to resolve the headache.
Then try to put the helmet higher, then lower. If you feel that the helmet is putting more pressure on one of the two sides, then try raising only the painful side and then lowering it slightly. Indeed, the morphology of a face is never perfectly symmetrical. It can then happen that one part of the face is more sensitive than the other.
If your headaches persist, you will then have to try to act on the tightening of the helmet.
Read also: Helmet that smells bad, what to do?
Adjust the tightness of the helmet that hurts your head
Most of the time, too much tightening of the helmet is the cause of the headache. To avoid this, it will therefore be necessary loosen the helmet.
If your helmet has a tightening and loosening system, then try to find a good compromise between loosening and holding. If your helmet does not have a tightening system, here is a trick that allows you to slightly but sufficiently soften the headband without risking breaking it:
- Take a box or make a stack of objects, books or video games, to obtain a length of approximately 15-20 centimeters
- Put on the helmet on either side of the length so that the arch widens gradually, without forcing (refer to the photo below) :
- Leave the helmet positioned like this between 7 and 10 days so that the headband material is good time to relax
This trick makes the headband of the helmet more flexible, and therefore reduces the pressure exerted on your skull. In many cases, this is enough to take away the headache associated with your headset, without damaging the hardware. If the technique worked, remember to regularly put the helmet back on the box or the system you made so that it maintains its shape.
Note: If the helmet is still under warranty, it is better to avoid deforming the helmet, even very slightly, as this may cause you to lose your rights.
Replace the headset pads
It is also possible that your headphones give you a headache from the earpads. Indeed, although it is made to be comfortable, some are more suited to your sensitivity than others. They can then be too hard but also be responsible for too much pressure, for example if they are too thick.
In this case, depending on the pads you currently have on your helmet, you can try replacing them with softer or more padded pads. If you feel like your headphones are overly squeezing your head, replace them with soft but thinner. Indeed, a few millimeters can sometimes reduce the pressure. In any case, prefer soft foam or memory foam pads and which therefore adapt to the exact morphology of your body. Obviously, this trick is only possible if your helmet is equipped with pads removable.
Try another helmet model
If the previous tips did not work, it may be that your current headphones simply do not suit your body type. To confirm this hypothesis, then try one or more other helmets with different designs.
If with another helmet, your pain disappears, then this confirms that your current helmet is not suitable. In this case, the only solution will be to replace it.
If all headphones give you headaches, then you may have a particular sensitivity. In this case, it is preferable to use other listening equipment: neckband headphones, earphones or speakers.
Note that in case of too intense pain or migraines, wheezing, fatigue, dizziness, it is better to consult a doctor or an ENT to determine if an underlying health problem may be responsible for your persistent headache.
Exchange or replace your headphones
If your headset that's giving you headaches is still under warranty, request an exchange or a refund from the retailer or after-sales service of your helmet brand. Note that in France a legal guarantee of 2 covers all your new purchases and that very often you also have a right of withdrawal of 14 days, allowing you to obtain a refund for your product, without even having to justify yourself. However, pay attention to the terms of your warranty contract. It is possible that the headache is not a sufficient reason to operate the guarantee. Find out so you don't get tricked.
If you want to replace your headphones, we recommend that you go to a physical store and test it well before buying it. You should quickly see if the helmet is suitable for your morphology, or if putting it on you feel discomfort that could turn into a headache. Note that it is preferable to try it because a comfortable helmet for one person will not necessarily be so for another since we all have a unique morphology. Do not hesitate to ask for advice in store or to consult guides on the internet to guide you in your choice.
A few tips for choosing your helmet :
- Over-ear headphones, designed for long listening, are often more comfortable and less painful than on-ear headphones.
- Choose a lightweight helmet with foam, plush, or memory foam earpads and a soft headband that doesn't put too much pressure on your skull.
- If helmets are too painful, neckband helmets or headphones will probably be more suitable for you.
- Always try the helmet before buying it to have your own feeling.
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