How Hearing Aids Can Relieve Tinnitus

Tinnitus, characterized by persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears, affects millions of Americans. At Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, we understand how disruptive tinnitus can be to your quality of life. While there is no known cure, our audiologists have helped many patients find significant relief through properly fitted hearing aids.

Modern hearing devices do more than just amplify sound—they include specialized features designed to manage tinnitus symptoms. Let's explore how today's advanced hearing aids can help reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.

Understanding Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together, with approximately 90% of tinnitus cases accompanying some form of hearing loss. Understanding this connection is key to effective treatment.

The Basics of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound source is present. These phantom sounds may be experienced as:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Hissing
• Clicking
• Whistling

For many, tinnitus is more than a minor annoyance—it can disrupt sleep, concentration, and emotional wellbeing. At Applied Hearing Solutions, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your tinnitus, including measuring its pitch and intensity to develop the most effective management strategy.

The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

The most common theory behind tinnitus is that hearing loss creates an absence of sound that the brain tries to fill. When the brain is deprived of certain sound frequencies due to hearing loss, it may generate its own sound to replace what's missing.

This explains why treating the underlying hearing loss often reduces tinnitus perception—by restoring the missing external sounds, we can help diminish the brain's need to create internal noise.

How Hearing Aids Help Manage Tinnitus

The latest hearing aids from manufacturers like Oticon, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, Phonak, and Signia offer specific features designed to address tinnitus.

Amplification and Sound Enrichment

Modern hearing aids help with tinnitus in two primary ways:

1. Sound Amplification: By properly amplifying environmental sounds, hearing aids help your brain focus on external noises instead of internal tinnitus sounds. This "sound enrichment" approach makes tinnitus less noticeable throughout the day.
   
2. Tinnitus Masking: Many of today's hearing aids include built-in sound generators that produce soothing background sounds. These sounds help mask tinnitus, making it less intrusive.
   

Advanced Tinnitus Management Features

The latest hearing aids we fit at Applied Hearing Solutions offer sophisticated tinnitus relief options:

• Widex Allure: Features ZEN technology that plays harmonic tones designed to promote relaxation and make tinnitus less noticeable
• ReSound Vivia: Offers a Tinnitus Sound Generator with various nature sounds and white noise options
• Starkey Edge AI: Includes AI-driven tinnitus management with customizable sound therapy options
• Oticon Intent: Features Tinnitus SoundSupport with multiple relief sounds
• Signia IX: Offers the Notch Therapy feature that can be particularly effective for tonal tinnitus
• Phonak Infinio: Includes built-in tinnitus balance noise generator with adjustable settings

These technologies allow our audiologists to fine-tune your tinnitus management strategy based on your specific needs and preferences.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid for Tinnitus Relief

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we follow Best Practice protocols to help you select the optimal hearing solution for both your hearing loss and tinnitus.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Our approach begins with a thorough assessment that includes:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluation
• Tinnitus pitch and intensity matching
• Detailed discussion of how tinnitus affects your daily life
• Evaluation of which environments worsen your symptoms

This information helps our audiologists recommend the most appropriate hearing aid technology and tinnitus management features for your specific situation.

Hearing Aid Features for Tinnitus Management

When selecting hearing aids for tinnitus relief, we consider several important features:

• Sound Generator Options: Different calming sounds (white noise, ocean waves, rainfall)
• Smartphone Control: Ability to adjust tinnitus masking features through mobile apps
• Multiple Programs: Settings for different listening environments
• Rechargeable Options: Convenience for all-day use without battery changes
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream music or relaxing sounds directly to your hearing aids

Using Real Ear Measurement, we verify that your hearing aids are programmed appropriately to address both your hearing loss and tinnitus needs.

Living With Tinnitus

While hearing aids can provide significant relief, a comprehensive approach to tinnitus management includes lifestyle considerations and supportive resources.

Lifestyle Strategies for Tinnitus Management

Our audiologists at Applied Hearing Solutions recommend several complementary approaches:

• Sound Therapy: Using background noise (fans, soft music) to reduce tinnitus awareness
• Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques, as stress often worsens tinnitus
• Healthy Habits: Maintaining good cardiovascular health, which supports better hearing
• Sleep Hygiene: Establishing good sleep patterns to minimize tinnitus disruption at night

Take Control of Your Tinnitus with Applied Hearing Solutions

If you're struggling with tinnitus, don't wait to seek help. At Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, our audiologists have extensive experience helping patients manage tinnitus through properly fitted hearing aids and comprehensive care.

The first step is a thorough evaluation to understand your specific tinnitus and hearing needs. From there, we can develop a personalized plan that may include advanced hearing aids with tinnitus management features, sound therapy recommendations, and ongoing support.

Call Applied Hearing Solutions at (602) 877-0000 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced audiologists. We'll help you find the relief you've been looking for and improve your quality of life.