Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus of 2024
Phonak Audéo Lumity
5.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Starting price for a pair: $2,498
- Style: Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- Appropriate for mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss
- Colors available: Sand Beige, Silver Gray, Champagne, Chestnut, Sandalwood, Beige, Velvet Black, Graphite Gray, Precious Pink, Electric green, Caribbean Pirate
- Sound cancellation: Dynamic Noise Cancellation, WhistleBlock feedback cancellation
- BBB rating: A+; Trustpilot rating: 1.6 out of 5
On ZipHearing's Website
Why We Picked It
This high-quality hearing aid from Phonak is a go-to option for people with tinnitus who enjoy connecting to multiple Bluetooth devices, says Amy Sarow, Au.D., a Michigan-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. The device provides a flexible sound quality, allowing the user to “set it and forget it” regarding device settings or tinker with its effects to achieve the best sound quality for each environment.
Phonak is known for managing background noise effectively as well, adds Megan Bilodeau, Au.D., a Massachusetts-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. More specifically, Phonak’s Tinnitus Balance program provides customizable tinnitus relief options for those who need them.
The Phonak Audéo Lumity also contains SmartSpeech and SmartSensor technologies that may improve a user’s ability to understand speech and allow for easier conversations in different sound environments. These technologies can also detect speech from any direction and may reduce a wearer’s listening effort, according to the company.
Our Review
Abram Bailey, Au.D.
Audiologist
Abram Bailey, Au.D. is a leading expert on hearing enhancement technology and a staunch advocate for person-centered hearing care and audiological best practices. Dr. Bailey holds a doctoral degree in audiology from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is the chief executive officer of Hearing Tracker, Inc., an independent shopping resource that helps find and compare hearing aids, and a cofounder at HearAdvisor, an independent hearing aid sound performance lab.
Abram Bailey, Au.D.
Abram Bailey, Au.D.
Audiologist
Abram Bailey, Au.D. is a leading expert on hearing enhancement technology and a staunch advocate for person-centered hearing care and audiological best practices. Dr. Bailey holds a doctoral degree in audiology from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is the chief executive officer of Hearing Tracker, Inc., an independent shopping resource that helps find and compare hearing aids, and a cofounder at HearAdvisor, an independent hearing aid sound performance lab.
Audiologist
The Phonak Audéo Lumity offers “good sound performance and flexible Bluetooth streaming capabilities,” says Abram Bailey, Au.D., a leading expert on hearing aid technology and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “Unlike most other brands, Phonak supports streaming from iPhone, Android and any other Bluetooth audio device,” he adds. When it comes to managing tinnitus symptoms, Dr. Bailey notes that Phonak is known for great sound quality and background noise handling.
Read our full Phonak hearing aids review here.
Pros & Cons
- Versatile fitting range
- IP68 water resistance rating adds to device durability
- Available in 11 colors
- Rechargeable and disposable battery models available
- Features Tinnitus Balance sound therapy technology
- Health data tracking available with myPhonak mobile app
- Can be difficult for those with dexterity issues to snap the rechargeable version in and out of the charger
- Only available in RIC style
- Must be purchased from a hearing health provider
- Pricing information not available on manufacturer website
- Shorter battery life than other hearing aids on our ranking
Features
- Battery life: 16 hours
- Bluetooth: Universal connectivity with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including iOS and Android devices
- Adjustment methods: Manual or via the myPhonak mobile app
- Warranty period: Varies by retailer
- Financing available: Varies by retailer
- Customer support: Available via phone or online request form
Phonak Naída Paradise
4.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Starting price for a pair: $2,798
- Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Appropriate for mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss
- Colors available: Silver Gray, Champagne, Beige, Velvet Black, Graphite Gray, Sand Beige, Chestnut, Sandalwood
- Sound cancellation: Dynamic Noise Cancellation, WhistleBlock feedback cancellation
- BBB rating: A+; Trustpilot rating: 1.6 out of 5
On ZipHearing's Website
Why We Picked It
The Phonak Naída Paradise is the best hearing aid option for those with severe to profound hearing loss and tinnitus due to its robust power ability, according to Lindsey Banks, Au.D., a Florida-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. Other experts echo this accolade, highlighting the device’s power and battery life in addition to its sound quality and universal Bluetooth compatibility. Similar to the Audéo Lumity, the Naída Paradise can utilize Phonak’s Tinnitus Balance program to provide customizable tinnitus relief options for those who need them.
The hearing aid is available in both rechargeable and disposable battery-powered options, and the disposable battery model (the Naída P-UP) can last up to three weeks before requiring a battery replacement, says Dr. Bailey.
The Phonak Naída Paradise may be best suited for the tech-savvy wearer, as these hearing aids can pair with up to eight Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones, mobile apps, TVs and other media devices. Plus, users can switch between two different paired devices with ease, according to the company.
Our Review
Heather Toth, Au.D., CCC-A
Audiology
Dr. Heather Toth is a board-certified audiologist who currently serves as clinical audiologist and clinical coordinator at Duke Otolaryngology of South Durham in North Carolina. She completed her audiology externship with the Cleveland Clinic in 2013 before joining the audiology team at Asheville Head, Neck and Ear Surgeons in North Carolina, followed by her move to the Duke Health system in 2019. Dr. Toth specializes in vestibular and cochlear implants in both pediatric and adult populations. During her time in Asheville, she developed and headed the first cochlear implant program in Western North Carolina for adult patients. When she’s not working, Dr. Toth enjoys spending time with her family and pups, exploring the outdoors, embroidering Temari and dancing.
Heather Toth, Au.D., CCC-A
Heather Toth, Au.D., CCC-A
Audiology
Dr. Heather Toth is a board-certified audiologist who currently serves as clinical audiologist and clinical coordinator at Duke Otolaryngology of South Durham in North Carolina. She completed her audiology externship with the Cleveland Clinic in 2013 before joining the audiology team at Asheville Head, Neck and Ear Surgeons in North Carolina, followed by her move to the Duke Health system in 2019. Dr. Toth specializes in vestibular and cochlear implants in both pediatric and adult populations. During her time in Asheville, she developed and headed the first cochlear implant program in Western North Carolina for adult patients. When she’s not working, Dr. Toth enjoys spending time with her family and pups, exploring the outdoors, embroidering Temari and dancing.
Audiology
Experts praise the Phonak Naída Paradise for its sound quality and universal Bluetooth capabilities.
These hearing aids may be “a great option for those who have moderately-severe to profound hearing loss and want features along with powerful sound quality,” says Heather Toth, Au.D., a North Carolina-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
“Phonak Naída Paradise delivers enough power to accommodate up to a severe to profound hearing loss while offering some of the best universal Bluetooth capability in the industry,” notes Dr. Sarow.
Read our full Phonak hearing aids review here.
Pros & Cons
- P-PR model detects motion to help make conversations easier and clearer, according to the company
- Telecoil available in P-UP model
- Available in eight colors
- Rechargeable and disposable battery models available
- Features hands-free calling capabilities
- Can pair with up to eight different Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Only available in BTE style
- Accessories, such as a TV connector and remote control, can be expensive
- Shorter battery life than other hearing aids on our ranking
- Unclear whether these devices are waterproof
- Pricing information unavailable on manufacturer website
Features
- Battery life: 16 hours
- Bluetooth: Universal connectivity with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including iOS and Android devices
- Adjustment methods: Manual or via the myPhonak mobile app
- Warranty period: Varies by retailer
- Financing available: Varies by retailer
- Customer support: Available via phone or online request form
Starkey Genesis AI
4.7
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Starting price for a pair: $2,798
- Style: Receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC)
- Appropriate for mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss
- Colors available: Beige, Graphite Gray, Silver, Caramel, Tech Black, Chestnut, White
- Sound cancellation: Edge Mode+ optimized sound quality, Multiflex Tinnitus Technology
- BBB rating: A+; Trustpilot rating: 2.9 out of 5
On ZipHearing's Website
Why We Picked It
Recommended by both Dr. Banks and Dr. Bailey, the Starkey Genesis AI incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology for true-to-life sound quality and myriad health and convenience features. It also features the brand’s Multiflex Tinnitus Technology, which is clinically proven to provide tinnitus relief, according to the company.
“It’s great for active people who want fitness monitoring and who like to take an active role in tweaking the audio and performance of their hearing aids through the [accompanying] app,” says Dr. Bailey. “Fall alerts are a great help, too, for those who are susceptible to falling.”
Depending on the style selected, Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids come in both rechargeable and disposable battery-powered options, and the rechargeable devices can last up to 51 hours on a single charge, according to Dr. Bailey.
Our Review
Nicole Gregory
Health Editor
Nicole Gregory is an editor and writer in Los Angeles who has contributed to the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, Vegetarian Times, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, New Woman and Living Fit, among other publications. She enjoys interviewing medical experts and researchers about their work and is passionate about communicating accurate and relevant health information to the public.
Nicole Gregory
Nicole Gregory
Health Editor
Nicole Gregory is an editor and writer in Los Angeles who has contributed to the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, Vegetarian Times, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, New Woman and Living Fit, among other publications. She enjoys interviewing medical experts and researchers about their work and is passionate about communicating accurate and relevant health information to the public.
Health Editor
“Starkey’s hearing aids can stream phone calls and music into both ears and, when connected to the Thrive app, can help track activity and social engagement…”
“[The] Thrive app helps users track their exercise and social engagement, both of which are critical for people with hearing loss to maintain their overall well-being and life satisfaction…”
“All Starkey hearing aids are sleek and well-fitting, and they come in a variety of colors, depending on the particular product. Certain models are rechargeable.” — Nicole Gregory, Forbes Health writer.
Read her full Starkey hearing aids review here.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive hearing aid style selection
- Can be paired with Starkey’s full library of wireless accessories
- Accompanying app supports language translation and transcription
- Waterproof, dirt-proof and dust-proof
- Health data monitoring available with MyStarkey mobile app
- Features fall detection capabilities
- Doesn’t support hands-free calling with Android smartphones
- Wide range of features may be overwhelming for users wanting a more straightforward device
- Only rechargeable models are waterproof
- Pricing information not available on manufacturer website
- Fewer color options available than other hearing aids on our ranking
Features
- Battery life: 51 hours
- Bluetooth: Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Adjustment methods: Via My Starkey or Thrive mobile apps
- Warranty period: Varies by retailer
- Financing available: Varies by retailer
- Customer support: Available via phone
Widex Moment
4.5
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Starting price for a pair: $2,798
- Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and in-the-ear (ITE)
- Appropriate for mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss
- Colors available: Tech Black, Titanium Grey, Silver Grey, Dark Cherry, Chestnut Brown, Autumn Beige, Golden Brown, Honey Blonde, Pearl White, Shocking Pink, Sporty Red, Deep Blue, Mediterranean Turquoise
- Sound cancellation: Feedback cancellation, PureSound technology improves speech understanding in noisy conditions
- BBB rating: B-; Trustpilot rating: 2.9 out of 5
On ZipHearing's Website
Why We Picked It
Widex Moment hearing aids feature a natural sound quality that’s especially helpful for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, thanks to the presence of ZeroDelay and PureSound technology, according to Dr. Sarow. People who enjoy listening to music or who want tinnitus management do especially well with Widex Moment, she adds. Dr. Friend reiterates their usefulness for people with tinnitus, adding that the “PureSound” program makes sound quality noticeably more natural.
Additionally, Widex hearing aids include the company’s “Zen” technology, which offers sound therapy for tinnitus management. This technology plays random, “chime-like” tones to increase relaxation and make tinnitus symptoms less noticeable, according to the company.
Widex Moment hearing aids also feature Bluetooth compatibility and a durable, water-resistant coating. With the rechargeable models, users can upgrade to the wireless charging case and enjoy 29 to 37 hours of use on a single charge
Our Review
Becky Brown
Health Writer
Becky Brown is a professional writer whose mission it is to empower readers. She tells stories that help people make smart, informed decisions about their health and lives. She’s covered everything from endocrinology to entrepreneurship, food safety to finances. She loves dogs, vegetables and stories that make her guffaw.
Becky Brown
Becky Brown
Health Writer
Becky Brown is a professional writer whose mission it is to empower readers. She tells stories that help people make smart, informed decisions about their health and lives. She’s covered everything from endocrinology to entrepreneurship, food safety to finances. She loves dogs, vegetables and stories that make her guffaw.
Health Writer
“Many in the hearing health industry believe Widex makes hearing aids with superior sound quality. Its latest model, the Widex Moment hearing aid, uses PureSound technology to provide sound that is clear and natural, according to the company…”
“[PureSound] technology, available in Moment models, provides sound that 95% of users agreed was natural and clear, according to the company. Widex claims the program processes sound eight to 20 times faster than other digital hearing aids, a speed that has been shown to improve speech understanding.” — Becky Brown, Forbes Health writer.
Read her full Widex hearing aids review here.
Pros & Cons
- Smallest rechargeable lithium-ion RIC hearing aid on the market, according to the company
- Brand promises a natural, clear sound experience
- Available in 13 colors
- Multiple styles available
- Widex Zen Therapy (WZT) available for tinnitus management
- TruAcoustics feature may allow for more accurate ear-tip fitting, according to the company
- Accessory needed for hands-free calling
- Doesn’t stream on all Android devices
- Unclear whether these hearing aids are waterproof
- Not all accessories are compatible with all hearing aid models
- Customer support isn’t available on weekends
Features
- Battery life: 29 to 37 hours, depending on hearing aid style
- Bluetooth: Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Adjustment methods: Manual or via the Widex Moment mobile app
- Warranty period: Varies by retailer
- Financing available: Varies by retailer
- Customer support: Available via phone or online request form
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus In 2024
To determine the best hearing aids for tinnitus, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted several audiologists on the Forbes Health Advisory Board for specific product recommendations based on their years of experience fitting various hearing aid models for a wide array of patients. Each expert was careful to consider the newest technology available when providing their recommendations, as well as newer brands and their roles in the evolving industry.
Star ratings were then solely determined by the editorial team and are based on the following:
- The starting price for a pair of hearing aids (35%)
- The range of hearing loss the devices support (20%)
- How many audiologists recommended them (15%)
- Battery options (10%)
- Bluetooth compatibility (10%)
- Tinnitus management assistance (10%)
Starting price information is reflected from ZipHearing or the device manufacturers themselves. All prescription hearing aids can be fitted and serviced by audiologists.
Read more about our hearing aids review methodology.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Partner Offer placements. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable review of their products or services.
Audicus Hearing Aids
- Custom-programmed hearing aids without the markups
- Free lifetime support and next day audiology appointments
- Free upgrades every 18 months with Audicus Premier
- Latest bluetooth technology supports simultaneous connection to 2 devices
- Sleek, barely there models designed for optimal performance and comfort
- 100 Day-Risk Free Trial and Money-Back Guarantee
On Audicus's Website
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a hearing condition in which a person hears ringing or other phantom noises in one or both of their ears. Causes, types and severity of tinnitus can vary from one person to another, but it’s a common problem—especially for older adults. In fact, 25 million U.S. adults report experiencing tinnitus for at least five continuous minutes in the past year, according to the Hearing Health Foundation[2]Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Statistics. Hearing Health Foundation. Accessed 12/12/2022. .
Illinois-based audiologist Catherine Fabian says audiologists categorize tinnitus into nonclinical and clinical cases:
- When the noise occurs less than one minute per episode and less than once a week, it’s considered nonclinical tinnitus. This type is also known as transient ear noise.
- When the noise persists for longer than one minute per episode and more than once a week, it’s considered clinical tinnitus.
“Many people experience [tinnitus] randomly throughout life, and it’s typically nothing of concern,” says Dr. Fabian. “But when it becomes more frequent or lasts longer, that’s when somebody should get an audiological evaluation to check on the health of their hearing.”
If left unaddressed and untreated, tinnitus can lead to an array of unpleasant side effects, including social withdrawal and resulting depression, disrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating and an increased sensitivity to certain noises. For these reasons, more than 16 million people seek medical attention for tinnitus annually[2]Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Statistics. Hearing Health Foundation. Accessed 12/12/2022. .
Causes of Tinnitus
Jackie L. Clark, a clinical audiologist and professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, explains that tinnitus doesn’t have one lone cause and is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. A few risk factors or conditions that may lead to tinnitus include:
- Loud noise exposure
- Head injuries
- High blood pressure
- Tumors
- Exposure to various toxins
- Genetics
Common Tinnitus Symptoms
The most prevalent symptom associated with tinnitus is ringing in the ears. Depending on the underlying condition causing the tinnitus, some people may experience other symptoms, explains Dr. Fabian. People with Ménière’s disease or tumors, for instance, may feel a sense of fullness in the ear.
Often, when someone has tinnitus, they also have hearing loss. “For most people, there’s an underlying hearing impairment or hearing loss that makes you prone to having tinnitus,” explains Dr. Fabian. “Hearing loss can start so gradually that people don’t even realize they have hearing loss. They notice that they’re having trouble hearing background noise or hearing it from a distance. So tinnitus is often the first thing to bring somebody into the audiology clinic for an evaluation.”
How Do Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Work?
Hearing aids for tinnitus make the patient less aware of the ringing in their ears and make it easier to hear external noises that may have been masked or muted by the tinnitus.
One theory for tinnitus, says Dr. Fabian, is that the inner ear’s sensory cells are no longer sending a sufficient signal to the brain, so the brain is sending the signal back down to those nerve endings in the inner ear. “Hearing aids can bring in sound and stimulate those sensory cells to get them working and feeding, transmitting that external input up to the brain so the brain is no longer sound-deprived. And then it has no reason to send that feedback to the ear asking for input because the hearing aids are providing it,” she explains.
While wearing a hearing aid can often reduce tinnitus, many tinnitus hearing aids come with sound enrichment or masking features to help cover the tinnitus. These sound enrichment features play white noise or other sounds to mask the ringing. Some devices can also connect to a smartphone and allow users to use relaxation apps to ease their symptoms.
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Can Hearing Aids Reduce Tinnitus Symptoms?
Hearing aids can help make a person with tinnitus less aware of the ringing or phantom noises in their ears, as well as make it easier for them to hear sounds in their environment that may have otherwise been masked or muted by tinnitus.
While wearing a hearing aid can often reduce tinnitus symptoms, many hearing aids designed specifically with tinnitus relief in mind also come with sound enrichment or masking features, such as variations of white noise, to help cover any ringing or phantom noises. A number of hearing aids for tinnitus also feature Bluetooth compatibility, allowing the wearer to access a number of relaxation apps and tinnitus relief programs on the brand’s accompanying app on their smartphone via their hearing aids.
What Type of Hearing Aid Is Best for Tinnitus?
The best hearing aid for tinnitus has less to do with the physical type of aid and more to do with the technological features included in the device that help amplify sounds that might be masked or muted by a wearer’s tinnitus symptoms. Experts recommend various behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids for people looking to relieve tinnitus symptoms.
Hearing Aid Type | Degree of Hearing Loss | Description |
---|---|---|
Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Mild to profound | Plastic case sits outside of the ear and delivers sound to earmold |
In-the-ear (ITE) | Mild to severe | All components contained in hard plastic case that sits in the ear canal |
In-the-canal (ITC) | Mild to moderately severe | All components contained in hard plastic case designed to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal |
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Mild to severe | Speaker rests inside ear canal connected to discrete speaker wire |
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) | Mild to severe | Speaker rests inside the ear canal via a discrete speaker wire that connects to microphone shell worn behind the ear |
The Average Cost of Tinnitus Hearing Aids
The cost of tinnitus hearing aids can vary widely. When looking solely at device prices (excluding bundled services), Dr. Clark says they can range from $400 to $2,400 per aid. Some clinics may offer bundle pricing that includes the cost of the device(s), plus services like customization, adjustments and setting personalized hearing goals. “[Device and service bundles] are a standard model for pricing hearing aids,” shares Dr. Fabian. In that model, Dr. Fabian says a pair of hearing aids can range anywhere from $3,000 up to $7,500.
If a person wants to purchase hearing aids for their tinnitus, they must first receive a hearing health exam, diagnosis and prescription through their audiologist.
People considering hearing aids for tinnitus should also note other expenses associated with hearing aids, such as batteries, cleaning services and repairs. Dr. Clark says getting hearing aids professionally cleaned can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 and suggests getting them cleaned every four to six months. Dr. Clark also mentions some repairs may cost up to $400.
Are Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Covered By Medicare, Medicaid or Insurance?
Unfortunately Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), doesn’t cover hearing aids for tinnitus. However some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits that may cover hearing aid costs.
Medicaid can cover hearing aids for beneficiaries under the age of 21. However, Medicaid coverage varies state to state, and not all state Medicaid policies offer hearing health benefits for adults. Check with your state’s Medicaid program to determine whether it includes hearing aid coverage.
For those who have either employer-sponsored health insurance or individual coverage from a private health insurance provider, some plans include hearing health benefits when hearing loss is caused by illness or injury. However, many plans don’t include coverage for hearing aids specifically. Contact your insurance provider to determine whether your particular plan includes hearing aid coverage.
What to Look for in Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
There are a number of factors worth considering when shopping for hearing aids for tinnitus, including size, shape, Bluetooth compatibility, streaming capabilities and built-in sound enrichment technology.
Size and shape: These aspects of a hearing aid often dictate how comfortable the hearing aid wearer finds their devices. After completing a hearing health assessment with a hearing health professional, try on a number of hearing aid models from a variety of manufacturers to determine which fit feels most comfortable in your ears.
Bluetooth compatibility and streaming capabilities: A number of hearing aids designed for tinnitus relief feature sound enrichment options that require both Bluetooth compatibility and streaming capabilities. It’s also important to note whether the hearing aids you’re considering are compatible with both iOS and Android devices or only one of the two operating systems.
Built-in sound enrichment technology: For those who don’t have a smartphone or don’t want to have to stream sound enrichment to their hearing aids, there are some models available that feature built-in sound enrichment technology.
Hearing aids for tinnitus are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and most require a prescription and fitting from a hearing health professional, such as an audiologist. During this appointment, the expert can help you determine which hearing aids best suit your ear shape, physical needs, lifestyle and budget.
Alternative Treatment Options for Tinnitus
Fortunately, there are many avenues available to alleviate symptoms associated with tinnitus. Aside from hearing aids, other treatment options for tinnitus include:
Sound generators. These small electronic devices fit into the ear (similar to hearing aids) and emit pleasant sounds throughout the day. Some smartphone apps allow users to generate certain sounds.
Masking devices. Worn like a hearing aid, masking devices emit low-level white noise to cover ringing and other noises in the ear. Masking devices may be able to reduce tinnitus symptoms for a short period of time after the user removes them.
Therapy. Certain therapy modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may help individuals experiencing tinnitus symptoms adjust their thought patterns and emotional responses toward the condition. While talk therapy may not reduce tinnitus symptoms, experts suggest it may help improve an individual’s quality of life.
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). TRT combines sound therapies like hearing aids, sound generators or masking devices with talk therapy to retrain the brain physiologically and emotionally to notice tinnitus symptoms less. Talk therapy helps foster feelings of neutrality toward one’s tinnitus while sound therapy helps normalize the presence of symptoms.
Stress management. Stress may worsen the severity of tinnitus. Experts recommend practicing stress management techniques like exercise, meditation and socializing to improve relaxation.
Biofeedback. This relaxation technique teaches individuals to control certain bodily functions like heart rate and muscle tension to help change the body’s response to stress and anxiety. Many individuals with tinnitus experience an improvement in symptoms when they’re able to control stress, according to the American Tinnitus Association.
Medication. While there are no medications currently available for treating tinnitus, some health care providers may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) medications to help improve an individual’s mood or sleep quality.
Is There a Cure for Tinnitus?
There’s currently no FDA-approved treatment available to cure tinnitus. However, there are many treatment options available, including sound therapy and talk therapy, that can improve symptoms and make living with tinnitus more manageable. Consult with an audiologist to determine the best treatment plan for your hearing health needs.
How to Choose the Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
The best hearing aid for tinnitus depends on factors like your symptoms, lifestyle and budget. Consult a hearing health professional for a hearing test to determine the severity of your symptoms and your level of hearing loss. Your provider can then help you review hearing aid models and determine the most appropriate hearing aid for you.
Prescription vs. OTC Hearing Aids
When determining which hearing aid model is best for you, your audiologist may recommend prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids depending on your needs and preferences.
OTC hearing aids can be purchased without a prescription and are suitable for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Additionally, OTC hearing aids typically include basic customization settings that allow users to self-fit devices to their hearing needs. Most OTC hearing aids, however, aren’t ideal for tinnitus management specifically.
Prescription hearing aids, on the other hand, are only available via hearing health professionals who can configure the devices to your specific degree of hearing loss and symptoms like tinnitus. Prescription hearing aids typically come with advanced features like noise reduction and speech enhancement technology. Because prescription hearing aids offer personal customization and more advanced features, these devices are typically more expensive than their OTC counterparts.
Prescription Hearing Aids | OTC Hearing Aids |
---|---|
Only available via hearing health professionals | Can be purchased without a prescription |
More expensive | More affordable |
Can be personalized to treat specific degrees of hearing loss and symptoms | Limited customization settings |
Typically include advanced features and technology | Typically include less advanced technology and features |
Final Thoughts
Hearing aids can be powerful tools when it comes to managing tinnitus symptoms. From background noise cancellation and enhanced speech clarity to personalized sound therapy features, there are many hearing aids on the market that can help improve symptoms and make tinnitus less noticeable.
We found the Phonak Audéo Lumity to be the best tinnitus hearing aids based on factors like number of expert recommendations, cost and Bluetooth compatibility, among other features. Additionally, the company’s Tinnitus Balance Portfolio offers customizable options for tinnitus management, including tinnitus masking and background noise cancellation.
Summary: Best Hearing Aids For Tinnitus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do hearing aids help high frequency tinnitus?
High frequency tinnitus, or tinnitus that leads to a steady and continuous high-pitched ringing in the ears, is the most common type of tinnitus and can result from loud noise exposure, medication side effects and hearing loss. Hearing aids can help ease high frequency tinnitus symptoms by improving the quality of sound in one’s external environment and masking ringing sounds with the help of various white noise settings.
How do people cope with severe tinnitus?
Beyond wearing hearing aids for tinnitus, there are a number of ways a person can cope with their tinnitus symptoms. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for neurological tinnitus, and physicians often prescribe anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants for people who experience intense anxiety or persistent depression due to their tinnitus symptoms. A number of psychotherapy methods and relaxation techniques can also be helpful, including biofeedback, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Socializing with loved ones and engaging in hobbies can make a difference, too.
What does an audiologist do for tinnitus?
Audiologists can provide an initial tinnitus evaluation, which may include audiologic testing that measures the loudness and/or pitch of a person’s tinnitus. If hearing aids are a recommended treatment following diagnosis, the audiologist can also prescribe, fit and customize the devices to the individual.
Do I need to see a health professional to get a hearing aid for tinnitus?
A hearing health professional like an audiologist can help identify and diagnose tinnitus. Additionally, a hearing health professional can recommend the best hearing aid for tinnitus for you based on your needs and lifestyle.
Can tinnitus cause other health problems?
Tinnitus can be associated with other conditions, including hearing loss, Ménière’s disease and noise sensitivity. When left untreated, tinnitus may lead to other side effects like depression and anxiety.
How long does it take for hearing aids to help tinnitus?
While sound generators and masking devices can help relieve tinnitus symptoms as a user wears them, research indicates that hearing aids may significantly reduce tinnitus symptoms in individuals with hearing loss within six months of use.
Which hearing aids are best for tinnitus?
The best hearing aid for tinnitus depends on factors like degree of hearing loss, budget, lifestyle factors and preferences for extra features like masking technologies. The best hearing aids for tinnitus that made our ranking include the Phonak Audéo Lumity, Phonak Naída Paradise, Starkey Genesis AI and Widex Moment.
Can hearing aids cancel out tinnitus?
Some hearing aids use masking technologies that cover the sound of tinnitus by increasing external noise. Additionally, certain hearing aids—including the Widex Moment and Starkey Genesis AI—feature sound therapy technologies that play calming tones to make tinnitus less noticeable.
Sources
Footnotes
- Quick Statistics About Hearing. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Accessed 12/12/2022.
- Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Statistics. Hearing Health Foundation. Accessed 12/12/2022.
References
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Alena HallHealth Writer
Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.
Abigail Friend, Au.D.Audiologist
Abigail Friend is a board-certified audiologist based in Washington. Having family members with hearing loss, she understands the impact of hearing loss on a personal level. This experience led her to become an advocate for people with hearing loss and how it affects their lives and those around them. She believes all patients are unique and require personalized care for their individual needs.
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