How Hearing Aids Can Help Tinnitus Symptoms

Tinnitus and Hearing Aids

Tinnitus can feel like an incessant ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, disrupting daily life and leaving many seeking relief. For those struggling with this challenging condition, finding effective solutions is crucial.

Nowadays, Hearing aids are designed not just for amplifying sound but also for helping to mask and manage tinnitus symptoms. By redistributing sound frequencies and providing auditory stimulation, hearing aids can create a more balanced auditory environment, allowing tinnitus sufferers to regain control over their listening experience. In this article, we'll explore how hearing aids work to alleviate tinnitus and the different types available. 

Understanding Tinnitus: An Overview

The experience of tinnitus can be constant or intermittent, and it may affect one or both ears. For many people, tinnitus is a minor nuisance, but for others, it can be a significant source of distress, impacting their quality of life and emotional well-being. Read more on tinnitus: it's causes mechanisms and methods of relief here. 

The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Hearing loss and tinnitus frequently coexist, and there is a strong correlation between the two conditions. Research indicates that a significant percentage of individuals with tinnitus (> 80% ) also experience some degree of hearing loss. This connection can be attributed to the fact that both conditions often result from damage to the auditory system, whether caused by ageing, noise exposure, or other factors. A common misconception is that tinnitus causes hearing loss, but this is often far from the case.

When hearing loss occurs, the brain receives less auditory input than it is accustomed to. In response, the brain attempts to compensate by increasing the sensitivity of the auditory pathway, which can inadvertently lead to the perception of tinnitus. Essentially, the brain is trying to "fill in the gaps" left by the missing auditory information, resulting in the phantom sounds associated with tinnitus.

Addressing hearing loss is a critical component of tinnitus management. By improving hearing ability (if there is a hearing loss) individuals can reduce the brain's need to compensate for the lack of auditory input, which can help diminish the perception of tinnitus. Hearing aids play a crucial role in this process, as they amplify external sounds and provide the brain with the auditory stimulation it requires, potentially reducing the perception of tinnitus.

How Hearing Aids Work to Alleviate Tinnitus Symptoms

Amplification & Masking

Hearing aids are designed to amplify external sounds, making it easier for individuals with hearing loss to hear and understand their surroundings. For those with tinnitus, this amplification can also help mask the internal sounds of tinnitus, making them less noticeable. By increasing the overall level of sound input, hearing aids can create a more balanced auditory environment, which helps reduce the brain's focus on the tinnitus sounds.

Sound Therapy

Many modern hearing aids come equipped with special features specifically designed to address tinnitus. These features can include built-in sound therapy programs that generate soothing sounds, such as white noise, nature sounds, or gentle music. Widex Zen and REsound Tinnitus are two hearing aid brands for example, that provide specific soundscapes including fractal sounds. Different from the classic white noise often present with standard devices. These therapeutic sounds can help distract the brain from the tinnitus, providing relief and promoting relaxation. Additionally, some hearing aids offer customizable soundscapes that allow users to tailor the therapy to their preferences and needs.

Stress Relieving

Another way hearing aids can alleviate tinnitus symptoms is by improving communication and reducing the stress associated with hearing difficulties. Struggling to hear and understand conversations can be frustrating and exhausting, which can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. By enhancing hearing ability and making it easier to engage in social interactions, hearing aids can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, which can have a positive impact on tinnitus management.

Types of Hearing Aids Suitable for Tinnitus Relief

There are several types of hearing aids available, each with its own set of features and benefits. 

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

These are one of the most common types and are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses. These devices consist of an electrical unit that sits behind the ear and a tube that connects to an earmold or earpiece inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids often have larger batteries and more advanced features, making them a good option for individuals with tinnitus who may benefit from additional sound therapy programs.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids

These are similar to BTE devices but with a smaller, more discreet design. These are often the best choice to provide additional amplification and offer sound therapy. The RIC aid can come with various soundscape features for tinnitus like the Widex Zen, Resound Tinnitus, Phonak and Oticon Tinnitus Maskers. The receiver is placed inside the ear canal via a plastic dome or custom earmould. Your audiologist would usually try to allow as much ambient noise into the ear. This is in order not to exacerbate the tinnitus but to provide the additional amplification needed without compromising the audibility of ambient sounds.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

These are hearing aids custom-made to fit the exact shape of the user's ear. These devices are less visible than BTE hearing aids and can be easier to handle for some users. ITE hearing aids can also accommodate various sound therapy options and can be an effective choice for tinnitus relief. Additionally, in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are smaller, more discreet options that fit deeper into the ear canal, making them less noticeable while still providing the necessary amplification and tinnitus management features. 

It needs to be noted that with normal to mild low frequency hearing loss, ITEs are not usually the best type of hearing aids for tinnitus sufferers as they tend to occlude the ear and affect low-frequency hearing if adequate ventilation is not built into the earpiece sitting within the canal. Sometimes space needed for ventilation limits space available for ear electronics within, so there are times where it may not be possible to build smaller in the ear aids (ITE), completely in the canal aids (CIC) or invisible in the canal aids. (IIC)

Each type of hearing aid has its own advantages, and the best option will depend on several factors such as the severity of hearing loss, user preferences, ear canal shape and specific tinnitus management needs.

Personalising Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Relief

Personalizing hearing aids for tinnitus relief involves tailoring the device's settings and features to meet the specific needs and preferences of the individual. This customisation process can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the hearing aids in managing tinnitus symptoms. An audiologist plays a crucial role in this personalisation process, by conducting thorough hearing assessments, making recommendations based on the individual's hearing profile and tinnitus characteristics and programming the hearing aids to the individuals ears, prescription requirements and specific needs.

One of the key aspects of personalising hearing aids is adjusting the amplification settings to match the user's hearing loss. Properly calibrated hearing aids can ensure that external sounds are amplified to the appropriate level, providing the necessary auditory stimulation to help mask tinnitus. Additionally, the audiologist can fine-tune the device's frequency response to highlight specific sound frequencies that may be beneficial for the user.

Customizing sound therapy programs within the hearing aids is another essential component of personalization. Many modern hearing aids offer a range of sound therapy options, such as white noise, pink noise, fractal noise or nature sounds, which can be tailored to the individual's preferences. The audiologist can work with the user to select and adjust these soundscapes, ensuring that they provide the most effective relief for their tinnitus symptoms.

Tips for Choosing the Right Hearing Aid

Selecting the right hearing aid for tinnitus relief involves considering several factors to ensure the device meets the individual's needs and preferences. One of the first steps in this process is to consult with an audiologist who can conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment and provide expert guidance on the most suitable options. The audiologist can help identify the type and severity of hearing loss, as well as the specific characteristics of the tinnitus, which will inform the selection process.

When choosing a hearing aid, it's essential to consider the device's features and capabilities. Look for hearing aids that offer advanced sound therapy options specifically designed for tinnitus management. These features can include built-in white noise generators, customizable soundscapes, and other therapeutic sounds that can help mask tinnitus and provide relief. Additionally, consider the device's amplification range, battery life, and connectivity options, as these factors can impact the overall user experience.

Comfort and fit are also critical considerations when selecting a hearing aid. The device should be comfortable to wear for extended periods and fit securely in or behind the ear. Different styles of hearing aids, such as BTE, ITE, ITC, and RIC, offer varying levels of comfort and visibility, so it's important to try different options to determine which one feels best. Going through a hearing aid trial can help you decide on best hearing aid for you and your tinnitus as you work with an audiologist.

Cost of Hearing Aids for Tinnitus

The cost of hearing aids for tinnitus range from £999-£4000. There is also the cost for yearly reviews of your hearing and tinnitus. This will included a hearing test, service of your hearing aids, cleaning and replacement of parts. We will also liase with your GP should we note any changes that require further medical intervention.  Hearing aids need frequent checks as one uses them because lots of things can change how well the hearing aid works over time. This can include build-up of wax, change in medical history, wear and tear on hearing aid components. 

The cost of the hearing aids depends on the tier of technology you have chosen. The higher the tier of technology the better equipped the hearing aid can process sounds in complex listening environments.

At Sonant Hearing Clinic. We offer a hearing aid trial, to help you reach an informed confident decision that the chosen solution is the right one. We also offer a 60 day money back period. 

Conclusion: Taking the Next Steps for Tinnitus Management

Managing tinnitus often requires a multi-faceted approach, as there is no single cure for the condition. Treatments can include sound therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Among these options, hearing aids have emerged as a valuable tool in providing relief for many tinnitus sufferers. By enhancing hearing and masking the tinnitus sounds, hearing aids can help individuals better cope with their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

The process to finding the right hearing aid begins with a thorough evaluation by an audiologist. This expert guidance is essential in selecting a device that meets the individual's specific needs and preferences. With the right hearing aid, properly fitted and personalised, individuals can experience significant improvements in both their hearing ability and tinnitus symptoms.

Taking the next steps in tinnitus management involves a commitment to ongoing care and adjustment. Regular follow-up appointments with an audiologist can ensure that the hearing aids continue to provide optimal relief and that any necessary adjustments are made. You can start to take your next steps by calling us on 01634 479 550 to arrange your tinnitus and hearing consultation with our audiologist at Sonant Hearing Clinic.