Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. These tiny devices are widely known for amplifying speech to help those with hearing loss, but an often overlooked benefit is their ability to manage tinnitus.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears when no external sound is present. It’s often described as a ringing, buzzing or hissing noise, but it can take many forms. It’s a symptom, not a condition itself, and can result from hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infections and more.
Tinnitus can be temporary or long-lasting. For those who experience chronic tinnitus (lasting longer than three months), it can cause significant stress.
How Hearing Aids Can Help
Hearing aids don’t cure tinnitus, but they can help manage its symptoms in two key ways:
1. Sound Masking
Many modern hearing aids come with sound masking features. This means they can introduce calming, external sounds that help mask the internal ringing. Instead of focusing on the noise in your ears, you’re distracted by sounds like:
- White, pink or brown noise
- Nature sounds (rainfall, ocean waves and rustling leaves)
This added sound can reduce the perception of tinnitus, making it less noticeable.
2. Increasing Auditory Input
Tinnitus often occurs alongside hearing loss. When the brain isn’t getting enough auditory input, it tries to compensate by creating its own sound in the form of tinnitus. Hearing aids help by amplifying sounds from the environment, whether it’s a conversation or the background hum of traffic. This stimulation helps keep the brain engaged, reducing its tendency to create phantom sounds.
Finding the Right Solution for You
Not every treatment works the same for everyone, and tinnitus can vary greatly from one person to the next. If you already use hearing aids, check their smartphone app to see if they have a tinnitus masking feature. Test it out during moments when your tinnitus is most noticeable.
If your current hearing aids don’t have this feature, or if amplification alone isn’t helping, it might be time to look into other options. There are updated models and new technologies available that may provide more relief.
When tinnitus is left unmanaged, it can interfere with everything from your sleep quality to your mood. Don’t wait to find relief. Contact Speech & Hearing Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.