Tinnitus and Hearing Aids: How Modern Devices Can Provide Relief
Annemarie Beukes
Tinnitus affects millions of Americans, with research showing that approximately 22.7 million adults experienced tinnitus for longer than three months in the past year. For many people living with tinnitus, the constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds can significantly impact their quality of life, affecting sleep, concentration, and mental well-being.
Understanding Tinnitus and Its Impact
Tinnitus manifests differently for each person - some experience high-pitched ringing, while others describe roaring, clicking, or buzzing sounds. These sounds may be soft or loud, present in one or both ears. About 80% of people with tinnitus do not find it particularly bothersome, but for the remaining 20%, it can create substantial challenges in daily life.
Tinnitus itself is not a disease but rather a symptom indicating an issue within the auditory system. This system includes the outer, middle, and inner ear, as well as the auditory nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. The most common cause of tinnitus, accounting for about 90% of cases, is hearing loss.
The Connection Between Hearing Aids and Tinnitus Relief
Modern hearing aids can play a significant role in managing tinnitus symptoms. Many of today's advanced devices from manufacturers like Phonak, ReSound, Oticon, Signia, Widex, and Starkey incorporate tinnitus management features alongside their primary hearing enhancement capabilities.
How Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus
1. Sound Enrichment
Modern hearing aids amplify environmental sounds that might otherwise go unheard due to hearing loss. This enriched sound environment can help mask tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable during daily activities.
2. Reduced Listening Effort
When hearing becomes easier through proper amplification, the brain expends less energy trying to hear. This reduced cognitive load can help minimize the perception of tinnitus.
3. Built-in Sound Therapy
Many current hearing aid models include dedicated tinnitus management features, such as:
- Customizable sound therapy signals
- Nature sounds
- White noise options
- Ocean waves
- Musical tones
4. Smartphone Integration
Modern hearing aids often connect to smartphones through Bluetooth technology, allowing users to:
- Stream calming sounds directly to their hearing aids
- Adjust tinnitus management settings easily
- Access specialized tinnitus management apps
- Control volume and sound therapy features discretely
The Importance of Professional Programming
For optimal tinnitus management with hearing aids, proper programming using Real Ear Measurement (REM) is essential. This verification method ensures that your hearing aids provide the right amount of amplification at the eardrum level, which is crucial for both hearing improvement and tinnitus management.
Additional Treatment Approaches
While hearing aids can provide significant relief from tinnitus, we often recommend a comprehensive approach that may include:
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT combines low-level sound therapy with educational counseling to help achieve habituation to tinnitus. This approach can be particularly effective when integrated with properly fitted hearing aids.
Bimodal Neuromodulation
The FDA-approved Lenire device combines custom audio with mild tongue pulses to stimulate the brain and potentially provide significant tinnitus relief.
Counseling
Professional counseling can help address the emotional aspects of tinnitus, teaching coping strategies and ways to manage associated stress or anxiety.
Preventing Tinnitus from Worsening
Protecting your hearing is crucial in preventing tinnitus from becoming more severe. We recommend:
- Limiting exposure to loud sounds
- Moving away from noise sources when possible
- Using appropriate hearing protection in noisy environments
- Regular hearing check-ups to monitor any changes
Modern Hearing Aid Options
Our clinic offers hearing aids from leading manufacturers, each with unique approaches to tinnitus management:
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Models
These versatile options work well for various degrees of hearing loss and come with advanced tinnitus management features. Many are rechargeable and offer smartphone connectivity for easy adjustments.
Custom Models
These devices are crafted to fit your specific ear canal shape, providing optimal comfort and sound delivery. They range from completely-in-canal to full-shell styles, with many incorporating tinnitus management capabilities.
The Journey to Tinnitus Relief
When you visit our clinic for tinnitus concerns, we follow a structured approach:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with a thorough diagnostic evaluation to understand your specific tinnitus characteristics and hearing profile.
- Medical Clearance: We may recommend consultation with an ENT physician to rule out any underlying medical conditions requiring attention.
- Treatment Planning: Once medically cleared, we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include hearing aids with tinnitus management features.
- Ongoing Support: Regular follow-up appointments ensure your treatment remains effective and can be adjusted as needed.
Schedule Your Tinnitus Consultation
Living with tinnitus doesn't mean you have to accept its impact on your quality of life. Our audiologists are experienced in fitting hearing aids with tinnitus management features and can help determine which solution might work best for you. Contact our office to schedule a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation, and take the first step toward finding relief from your tinnitus symptoms.
