Tinnitus and hearing loss often go hand in hand, with approximately 80% of people suffering from tinnitus also having hearing loss. It is one of the most common health conditions globally, affecting between 10% and 15% of the global population regularly. Hearing loss may affect the signals sent from the ear to the brain. Those simulated signals can result in unwanted activity in the brain that is known as tinnitus. While tinnitus doesn’t cause hearing loss, the perceived sound can distract and make it hard to concentrate on other sounds. That’s why some of the best hearing aids for tinnitus can be an effective way for tinnitus management as well as hearing loss.
What are Tinnitus Hearing Aids?
Many people with tinnitus also have some hearing loss. The best hearing aids that offer tinnitus masking can allow people with hearing loss to listen to sounds they might be missing, which may effectively cover – and remove the focus from – the tinnitus ringing. It can often provide relief from tinnitus’s internal sound when you can hear everything going on around you.
How Can Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus Management?
Hearing aids may help provide sound therapy for those suffering from tinnitus. The best hearing aids for tinnitus can be programmed to contrast the internal sound of tinnitus. Increasing external noise makes it more difficult to perceive the internal sounds of tinnitus, helping the brain focus on the outside sounds. Improving communication with one’s surroundings may help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms often associated with auditory fatigue, having to listen intently throughout the day. The impact hearing aids make for tinnitus masking is powerful for people who have hearing loss in the same frequency range as their tinnitus. A hearing specialist can provide you with a hearing test to discover the best solutions on how to make your hearing better when you are suffering from tinnitus.
Additional Treatment Options for Tinnitus
Beyond hearing aids, there are several other treatments for tinnitus. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to change the way patients perceive tinnitus, reducing distress. Sound therapy involves using external noise to alter a patient’s perception of, or reaction to, tinnitus. Tinnitus retraining therapy combines sound therapy with directive counseling. Additionally, lifestyle changes like stress management, avoidance of loud noises, and reducing caffeine intake can also help manage tinnitus symptoms. These varied approaches offer multiple pathways for individuals to seek relief from tinnitus.