Tinnitus is a condition that has troubled many people’s hearing for years. When the condition first became known, the technology wasn’t there to treat it, but now, multiple treatment options can help with tinnitus. One of those options is hearing aids.
Hearing aids are typically for people who suffer from hearing loss. But can they help with tinnitus? In today’s article, we will be exploring if hearing aids can help with tinnitus; and dive into why they’re important for your ear health.
Understanding tinnitus and its impact on hearing
Firstly, it’s important to understand what tinnitus is and the impact it has on your hearing. Tinnitus is a condition where a person will experience noises without any source. These noises can be ringing, humming, or buzzing. Many would argue that tinnitus is a disease, but in fact, it’s a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the auditory system.
When the auditory system is affected by factors such as exposure to loud noises, age-related hearing loss, earwax blockages, or certain medical conditions, it can lead to the development of tinnitus. In an attempt to compensate for the reduced input from the auditory system, the brain will generate a perception of sound, which results in a ringing, humming or buzzing noise.
Tinnitus can have a huge effect mentally if you suffer from it. Individuals who have suffered from tinnitus tend to struggle to focus, and their stress levels are higher due to the constant noises they’re hearing. In some cases, it causes symptoms of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, sleep disturbance is another significant consequence of tinnitus. The persistent sounds can make it challenging for individuals to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to fatigue and further exacerbating the emotional toll of living with tinnitus. This further connotes the need for an effective solution that manages and alleviates tinnitus symptoms, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
How hearing aids can help
Now you’re aware of the impact tinnitus can have on your hearing, it’s important to know how hearing aids can help. Hearing aids are sophisticated devices designed not only to amplify external sounds for individuals with hearing loss, but also to address the complex interplay of auditory signals involved in tinnitus.
Due to hearing aids having the ability to amplify sounds, this essentially distracts you from the internal noises associated with tinnitus. By filling the auditory space with ambient sounds from the environment, hearing aids help to minimise the prominence of the perceived internal sounds, providing relief to individuals dealing with tinnitus.
In addition, many hearing aids come equipped with specific features tailored to tinnitus relief. Some devices offer customisable settings that allow users to adjust the frequency and volume of the amplification, helping to find the optimal balance that effectively masks or minimises tinnitus sounds. This personalised approach is essential as tinnitus varies widely among individuals, and what works for one person may not be as effective for another.
The use of hearing aids to manage tinnitus extends beyond mere amplification. Some devices incorporate masking features, generating soothing background sounds that further diminish the perceived intensity of tinnitus. This combination of amplification and masking contributes to creating a more comfortable auditory environment for individuals, reducing the impact of tinnitus on their daily lives.
At the Hearing Specialist, we offer the highest-quality hearing aids from the most recognised brands: Signia, Bernafon, and Widex. The hearing aids we offer are available in a range of shapes, sizes and colours with extraordinary built-in technology that is tailored to suit your individual needs, lifestyle and budget. Check out our range today.
The importance of seeking professional guidance
Hearing aids can help manage tinnitus in some cases, but we can’t stress highly the importance of seeking professional help. By seeking professional advice and guidance from an audiologist you will gain the solutions you need to combat your hearing difficulties. An audiologist will provide you with a comprehensive hearing assessment to determine the most suitable option to help with your tinnitus; whether that be hearing aids or something else.
If hearing aids are the support you need, then their in-depth knowledge of the different models will benefit you enormously. Audiologists take into account not only the technical aspects but also your comfort and preferences. During the initial fitting and subsequent adjustment appointments, they will fine-tune the settings to ensure that the hearing aids address both the hearing loss and the specific nuances of your tinnitus.
After the audiologist has given you what you need, their support doesn’t end there. There will be a long string of appointments you will attend afterwards to make sure the hearing aids are performing as expected, and if there are any issues they will be dealt with. This is to ensure you’re gaining the maximum benefit from the devices, and that they’re helping with your tinnitus symptoms.
If you are struggling with tinnitus or someone you know is, you must seek help from an audiologist. The sooner you reach out to them, the quicker they can help ease your stress, and provide you with the correct solution to help manage your condition better.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our latest article about does hearing aids help with tinnitus. If you have any other questions surrounding this topic, be sure to get in touch with our friendly team.
Alternatively, if you’re struggling with your hearing recently and you’d like an expert to examine your ear health, book an appointment with us today and we will provide you with a thorough hearing test.