Do Hearing aids Help with Tinnitus?

Understanding Tinnitus and Its Connection to Hearing Loss

Tinnitus can have many causes, but one common factor is damage to the cochlea, an essential structure in the inner ear that plays a key role in hearing. Inside the cochlea are delicate hair cells that transmit sound signals to the brain. When these cells are damaged, whether due to ageing, loud noise, or ototoxic medications, the resulting reduction in auditory input can lead to tinnitus. In many cases, this damage also causes hearing loss, creating a dual challenge of both reduced hearing and persistent tinnitus.

Does Tinnitus Cause Hearing Loss?

Tinnitus itself does not cause hearing loss; rather, it’s often a symptom of underlying hearing damage. That said, not everyone with tinnitus experiences hearing loss. Some people report experiencing tinnitus with no detectable hearing loss, making it important to get a hearing test to understand your unique hearing profile. If a hearing test shows no significant hearing loss, tinnitus masking may offer relief by providing sound enrichment and reducing tinnitus perception.

Can Hearing Aids Help Relieve Tinnitus?

Yes, hearing aids can be effective tools for managing tinnitus, especially for those who have coexisting hearing loss. When hearing diminishes, the brain compensates by “filling in” missing sound signals, often creating the perception of phantom sounds or tinnitus. By amplifying sounds in frequencies where the hearing has declined, hearing aids are helping to stimulate the brain. This sound amplification gives the brain access to the missing sounds, which can help to better communicate but also reduce the perception and intensity of tinnitus.

In fact, studies have shown that around 70% of people who use hearing aids report relief from tinnitus symptoms, with improvements in social interactions, and decreased tinnitus distress.

Key Features of Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Relief

If you’re considering hearing aids for tinnitus relief, here are some important features to look for:

1. Customized Sound Amplification

Hearing loss varies from person to person. When choosing hearing aids for tinnitus, it’s essential to select a model that provides customized amplification. Custom amplification not only clarifies speech but also fills in the auditory “gaps,” helping to reduce tinnitus perception and improve overall sound quality.

2. Tinnitus Masking Hearing Aids

Some hearing aids come with built-in tinnitus masking features that generate soothing sounds, such as white noise, ocean waves, or other relaxing sounds. These sounds help mask tinnitus, providing relief and making it easier for the mind to focus on external sounds rather than the tinnitus itself. This feature can be especially helpful for those who experience tinnitus with no hearing loss but still seek relief from the persistent sounds.

4. Selecting the Right Style for Your Lifestyle and Hearing Needs

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, from in-the-ear models to those that sit behind the ear. For people with high-frequency hearing loss and tinnitus, open-fit hearing aids may be particularly beneficial. These devices allow low-frequency natural sounds to pass through, creating a more open, natural listening experience that reduces the “plugged” feeling some people dislike. Choosing the right style with the help of a hearing care professional can enhance both comfort and effectiveness, making it easier to wear your hearing aids consistently—an essential factor for tinnitus relief.

Getting a Hearing Test

If you’re experiencing tinnitus and suspect hearing loss, a tinnitus hearing test is an essential first step. You can start by taking a hearing screening inside the MindEar app and you can book an appointment with us to discuss your results.

Take Action for Tinnitus Relief

Consider scheduling a free consultation with us to better understand your needs. Hearing aids with tinnitus masking features can help you regain access to sounds you may have been missing, which can improve both communication and reduce the impact of tinnitus on daily life.