Tinnitus, the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, affects over 25 million Americans, making it one of the most commonly reported health concerns in the United States. While tinnitus affects everyone differently, many sufferers report that tinnitus impacts their sleep, concentration, and quality of life. If you’re one of these individuals, it’s possible you’ve been told nothing can be done to help your tinnitus. But that is not entirely true. You may be surprised to learn that hearing aids are actually one of the most effective tools available for managing tinnitus symptoms.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how hearing aids help tinnitus, the science behind it, and what you can expect from treatment.
What exactly is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a symptom, often related to hearing loss. It can be caused by:
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss
- Earwax blockages
- Certain medications
- Stress and anxiety
Up to 90% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, which is why hearing aids are often recommended as part of a tinnitus treatment plan.
How does hearing loss cause Tinnitus?
Our brains crave sound! The auditory system is constantly sending signals from your ears to your brain. When hearing loss occurs, those sound signals become weaker or disappear in certain frequencies. Our brains respond to this lack of input by making up its own noises in an effort to “fill in the gaps.” Over time, this lack of auditory stimulation may lead to changes in the brain’s pathways, making the tinnitus more persistent or noticeable, especially in quiet environments or during times of stress.
How exactly do hearing aids help tinnitus?
- Remember: our brains crave sound! By wearing hearing aids to correct a hearing loss, we are bringing all the sounds of the environment back to the brain, alleviating the brain’s desire to “fill in the gaps.”
- Many modern hearing aids now have the option of activating a tinnitus masker. Tinnitus maskers are soft sounds like white noise, ocean waves, or gentle tones that soothe the brain and help distract from the tinnitus. After a thorough tinnitus evaluation, your audiologist can even customize these tinnitus maskers to be exactly what you need.
- Tinnitus often feels worse when you’re tired, stressed, or struggling to hear. Hearing aids improve your ability to communicate and connect with others, which can lower stress and improve your quality of life, both of which can help reduce tinnitus severity.
Will hearing aids cure my Tinnitus?
Hearing aids don’t “cure” tinnitus, but they can make it significantly more manageable, especially if hearing loss is part of the underlying cause. Many patients report noticeable relief within weeks of starting to use their devices.
In cases where tinnitus is more persistent, hearing aids can be paired with additional therapies like:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Local Help for Tinnitus in Cornelius, Lake Norman, Charlotte area.
At Integral Audiology, we serve patients across Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville, and the greater Charlotte area. If you’re struggling with ringing in your ears, don’t wait to find relief.
We offer:
- Comprehensive Tinnitus Evaluations
- Hearing aid fittings with Tinnitus relief options
- Ongoing support to manage symptoms over time
📍 Conveniently located in Cornelius, NC
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