Hearing aids for Tinnitus

Tinnitus can cause ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, clicking or other sounds in one or both ears when there is no external source. It can result from noise exposure, ageing, earwax blockage, certain medications or ear injury — and in the majority of cases it is associated with some degree of hearing loss, which is why hearing aids are often one of the most effective management tools available. For some people, tinnitus is occasional and manageable, while for others it can affect sleep, concentration, communication and quality of life.

Tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together. If you have both conditions, hearing aids may help make external sounds easier to hear and, in some cases, make tinnitus less noticeable. Some hearing aids also include built-in tinnitus sound therapy or masking features.

Hearing aids are primarily designed to improve hearing loss, so they may not be suitable for everyone with tinnitus. However, tinnitus can sometimes occur even when your hearing appears normal.

If you have tinnitus without diagnosed hearing loss, an audiologist can assess your hearing and discuss whether a hearing aid, a tinnitus masking device, sound therapy or another management approach may be more appropriate.

Some people with tinnitus and normal hearing may benefit from devices that provide customised background sounds. However, the best option depends on the cause and severity of your tinnitus, your hearing test results and how much tinnitus affects your daily life.

If you are looking for the best type of hearing aid for tinnitus, the most important consideration is not simply the brand or style of the device.

The right hearing aid should be selected and programmed according to your hearing loss, tinnitus symptoms, lifestyle and listening needs.

Features you may wish to discuss with your audiologist include:

• Tinnitus sound therapy: some hearing aids can provide additional sounds designed to help make tinnitus less noticeable.
• Customisable sound options: depending on the device, you may be able to choose from different sounds, including broadband noise or other background sounds.
• Adjustable settings: tinnitus and hearing needs can vary, so the ability to fine-tune the device may be important.
• Bluetooth connectivity: streaming music, podcasts or other sounds can provide additional sound options for some people.
• Rechargeable batteries: a convenient option for people who prefer not to replace disposable batteries.
• Comfort and fit: a hearing aid needs to be comfortable enough to wear consistently.
• Professional programming: hearing aids should be fitted and adjusted to match your hearing test results.

Not all hearing aids include tinnitus masking or sound therapy features, and not all tinnitus maskers are hearing aids. An audiologist can help you understand which features may be suitable for your tinnitus and hearing needs.

Getting a hearing aid for tinnitus starts with a comprehensive hearing assessment — a pure-tone audiometry test to map your hearing thresholds, combined with a discussion of your tinnitus characteristics: pitch, perceived loudness and how much it affects your daily life. If hearing aids are recommended, the audiologist programmes the device to match your audiogram and activates the tinnitus sound therapy or masking features at an appropriate level.

Tinnitus programming is an ongoing process rather than a single appointment. Most people require several follow-up appointments in the first few months to fine-tune the settings as their brain adjusts. If the settings don't feel right, or if your tinnitus changes over time, let your audiologist know — adjustments can make a significant difference to the outcome.

A hearing aid and a tinnitus masker are not the same device, although some hearing aids include tinnitus masking or sound therapy features.

• A hearing aid is primarily designed to amplify sounds that are difficult to hear because of hearing loss. Some hearing aids can also provide additional sounds to help make tinnitus less noticeable.
• A tinnitus masker or tinnitus masking device is designed primarily to provide external sound that can help distract from or reduce the contrast of tinnitus. It may be a standalone device or a feature included in some hearing aids.

The right option depends on whether you have hearing loss, the characteristics of your tinnitus and your individual needs. An audiologist can help you understand which approach may be appropriate.