Ocean Wave Hearing · Corpus Christi, TX
How Do Hearing Aids Help Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is when you hear ringing, buzzing or humming that no one else hears. Learn how hearing aids may help, what they can't do, and when to see a doctor.
Quick answer: Hearing aids do not cure tinnitus, but they may help you manage it. By improving your hearing and bringing outside sounds back into your day, they can make the ringing less noticeable for some people, especially if you have both tinnitus and hearing loss.
Tinnitus is when you hear a sound that no one else hears. It can sound like ringing, buzzing, humming or clicking. It can make it hard to focus, sleep or follow a talk at work.
Many people ask: how do hearing aids help tinnitus?
Hearing aids do not cure tinnitus. But they may help you manage it. They can help you hear better, bring outside sounds back into your day, and make the ringing less noticeable for some people.
If you have both hearing changes and tinnitus, hearing aids can be one part of a bigger plan.
What Is Tinnitus and Why Does It Happen?
Tinnitus is hearing a sound when there is no sound around you. People describe it as:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Whistling
- Hissing
- Clicking
It can have many causes, such as:
- Hearing loss
- Loud noise at work or at home, like power tools or machines
- An ear injury
- Some medicines
- Changes in how the ear and brain handle sound
Many people with tinnitus also have some hearing loss. That is why a hearing evaluation is a good first step.
See a doctor promptly if tinnitus starts suddenly, is in one ear only, pulses with your heartbeat, or comes with dizziness, sudden hearing loss, ear pain or drainage.
In What Ways Can Hearing Aids Help With Tinnitus?
Hearing aids may help in a few ways.
1. Hearing Aids Make Outside Sounds Easier to Hear
Tinnitus often feels louder in a quiet room. With less sound around you, your brain pays more attention to the ringing.
Hearing aids bring back sounds you may be missing, such as:
- Voices
- Soft background sounds
- The TV
- Everyday sounds around the house
When you hear more of the world, the ringing may fade into the background for some people.
2. Hearing Aids Make Talking Easier
Tinnitus plus hearing loss can make talks hard to follow. Hearing aids can help with:
- Understanding speech
- Talking in groups
- Phone calls
- Daily talks at work and at home
Less strain can mean less stress at the end of the day.
3. Modern Hearing Aids Shape Sound for You
Today’s hearing aids are digital. They can be set to match your hearing. Depending on the model, features may include:
- Noise reduction
- Custom sound settings
- Settings that change with your surroundings
- Phone app controls
4. Some Hearing Aids Have Tinnitus Features
Some models have built-in tools for tinnitus. These may include:
- Soft background sounds
- Sound programs you can turn on when you need them
- Settings made just for you
A hearing professional can tell you if these features may fit your needs.
Can Hearing Aids Help Tinnitus Without Hearing Loss?
This is a common question. If you have tinnitus but no clear hearing loss, hearing aids may not be the first step.
If your tinnitus is tied to hearing changes, better hearing may make it less noticeable. A hearing evaluation can show if hearing aids make sense for you.
Are Hearing Aids a Cure for Tinnitus?
No. Hearing aids do not cure tinnitus. The NIDCD notes there is currently no cure for tinnitus, and lists hearing aids among the common ways to reduce symptoms for people who also have hearing loss.
But many people find that hearing aids help them manage it by:
- Helping them hear better
- Taking focus off the ringing
- Making talks easier
- Adding soft sound when it is quiet
Results are different for each person.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
If you are looking at hearing aids for tinnitus, think about features that fit your life.
Digital Sound Processing
Digital hearing aids can change settings for different places, like a busy kitchen or a quiet office.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth hearing aids can connect to your phone. That lets you:
- Stream audio
- Take phone calls
- Use tinnitus apps or relaxing sounds
Learn more: What Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids?
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable hearing aids charge overnight. You don’t have to change tiny batteries.
How Much Do Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Cost?
The price depends on:
- Technology level
- Features
- Style
- The care and follow-up that come with them
The most expensive device is not always the best choice. The best one fits your hearing and your daily life. If you pay out of pocket, you may be able to use your HSA or FSA.
OTC vs Prescription Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
Some people compare over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription hearing aids.
OTC Hearing Aids
OTC devices are for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss who want:
- A lower upfront price
- To buy direct
- To adjust the settings themselves
Prescription Hearing Aids
Prescription hearing aids come with:
- A professional hearing evaluation
- Settings made for your hearing
- Follow-up adjustments
If you have tinnitus and hearing loss, a professional can guide you. Read more: OTC vs Prescription Hearing Aids
When Should You Consider Hearing Aids for Tinnitus?
It may be time to look into hearing help if you have:
- Trouble hearing people talk
- Trouble following speech in noisy places
- Tinnitus that gets in the way of your day
- Trouble on phone or video calls
- Less confidence in social settings
A hearing evaluation can show if hearing aids may help you.
What’s the Bottom Line on Hearing Aids and Tinnitus?
So, how do hearing aids help tinnitus?
They may help by improving your hearing, bringing outside sounds back, and taking focus off the ringing. They are not a cure. But they can be a useful tool if you have both tinnitus and hearing loss.
The right choice depends on your hearing, your work and home life, and your budget. Features like Bluetooth and custom sound settings can add comfort.
Remember: if tinnitus comes on suddenly, is in one ear only, or comes with dizziness, ear pain or drainage, see a doctor promptly.
Hearing Care That Comes to You
Ocean Wave Hearing is a mobile hearing clinic. Ruben C. Cavazos, Jr., MS, HIS, is our hearing instrument specialist. He comes to your home anywhere in the Coastal Bend. That includes Corpus Christi, Portland, Rockport, Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Ingleside, Robstown, Kingsville, Alice and Sinton.
- Book a home visit: request a time online or call (361) 321-4491.
- Try them first: new hearing aids come with our 45-day no-risk trial, so you can test them at work and at home.
- Pay your way: we are private-pay and HSA- and FSA-friendly.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Office: 4466 S. Staples St Ste. 103, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 · (361) 321-4491
Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing aids may help by making outside sounds easier to hear, improving your hearing, and making tinnitus less noticeable for some people.
No. Hearing aids do not make tinnitus go away. They may help you manage it and make daily talks easier.
They can be. Many people with both tinnitus and hearing loss use hearing aids as part of their plan. Results are different for each person, so start with a hearing evaluation.
It depends on your hearing. Features like digital sound processing, Bluetooth and built-in tinnitus sound programs may help. A specialist can help you choose.
See a doctor promptly if tinnitus starts suddenly, is in one ear only, pulses with your heartbeat, or comes with dizziness, sudden hearing loss, ear pain or drainage.
Sources
- Tinnitus, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), NIH
- OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)