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Can I get tinnitus relief by using hearing aids and tinnitus maskers? In short, yes, and this article takes a look into how digital hearing aids can help your tinnitus, and suggest the best hearing aids on today's market for those with hearing loss, tinnitus or both.Â
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this 'invisible condition', but there are successful treatments, support therapies and choice of hearing aid device for tinnitus out there to relieve symptoms.
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But first, let's start with what tinnitus actually is. Tinnitus is a persistent sound in the ear that is not the result of any external sound source. Normally experienced as a ringing in the ears, it can usually only be heard by the individual who is experiencing the symptoms.
Currently, about 10% of the UK population suffers from persistent tinnitus, and around 1 in 10 of these find it has a large impact on their quality of life.
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What is the connection between hearing loss and tinnitus? Studies have shown that approximately 90% of tinnitus cases come with an accompanying loss of hearing, although some individuals with ordinary hearing may have tinnitus as well. Since hearing loss is often a gradual method, many individuals are astonished when a hearing loss is diagnosed alongside their tinnitus complaints.
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Although we don’t know for sure where tinnitus comes from, some scientists speculate it is actually ‘noise’ from the brain created in response to its inability to pick up enough sound signals from the hair cells in the ear. Research into tinnitus continues to be undertaken, as the audiology industry still hopes for a tinnitus breakthrough.
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So, is there a hearing aid for tinnitus? Do they work? Studies indicate that hearing aids can indeed reduce the impact of tinnitus for a large percentage of individuals. Back in a 2007 US survey of hearing care professionals, they reported that about 60% of their patients with tinnitus had their symptoms eased through hearing aids, and roughly 22% of their patients had experienced significant relief.
If you are wondering about the efficacy of hearing aids for tinnitus - we recommend the use of hearing aids for those with hearing loss, tinnitus or both. They can be effective either used alone as Bluetooth hearing aids for tinnitus or as part of a wider package of hearing healthcare therapy - designed by your audiologist.
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Do hearing aids block tinnitus? Hearing aids for tinnitus are there to support and assist your tinnitus symptoms - they can't cure tinnitus. They give you relief when you need it the most, so you can benefit from a better quality of life. Â
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So, how much do hearing aids for tinnitus cost? You are not charged extra for hearing aids that have tinnitus therapies included in the device technology features and most hearing aids do include features to relieve tinnitus symptoms. However, to give you an idea, our hearing aids start from £595 per hearing aid and £895 for a pair.
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In some cases, hearing loss can cause tinnitus, as when you have some degree of hearing loss naturally less external sounds reach your brain. Resulting in neuroplastic alterations in the brain which can change the way it processes sound frequencies.
For instance, for those with hearing loss, the tinnitus sounds they hear might mirror the frequency of the external sounds they struggle to hear or can't hear at all. So, if high-frequency sounds are hard to hear - your tinnitus may also be high pitched.
This combination makes hearing and communicating even more of a challenge. As hearing loss reduces the access to external sounds, this can in turn amplify tinnitus sounds like:
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As we now know, hearing loss is commonly linked to tinnitus, therefore there are numerous hearing aids with special features that can manage and support tinnitus symptoms. Such as masking tinnitus with sounds, using beneficial apps and relaxation technique programs. These hearing aids come in many types and can also cater for different levels of hearing loss.
Other than hearing aid devices there are also other sources of tinnitus relief like tinnitus therapy which are accessible from companies such as The Hearing Coach and various forms of counselling. You can join tinnitus support groups and forums to connect with those who also have tinnitus and connect to your community through this type of platform.
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Below are our top picks of tinnitus hearing aids and reviews of hearing aids for tinnitus that can help with symptoms and spikes using various features and tinnitus hearing aid apps. This list will be edited accordingly as new hearing aid launches are introduced, more advanced tinnitus therapy technology becomes available or we find a better alternative.Â
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Our tinnitus hearing aid review and recommendations are based on our own network of audiologists and their patient's feedback, technology advancement, battery use and device types. We always recommend that you speak with your local audiologist about what is available and offer a tinnitus hearing aid comparison - based on your needs, hearing loss and lifestyle.
Oticon More Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
With less effort in loud settings, Oticon More hearing aids provide a more advanced speech comprehension than ever before. How can they help your tinnitus? In difficult listening circumstances, their technology helps you to take an active role in conversations, just like individuals with ordinary hearing would.
Oticon hearing aids also come with Tinnitus SoundSupport to assist in controlling your tinnitus by playing a wide range of soothing sounds. You can modify these sounds until they provide you with the relief you need— wherever you need it. Sounds include waves and white noise.
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Moreover, with the Oticon ON app, alternative tinnitus relief options like your favourite music, audiobooks, podcasts, or even relaxation guides can be streamed wirelessly.
Phonak Paradise Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
Phonak's Tinnitus Balance noise generator is designed to generate a broadband sound for use in tinnitus management therapies to provide 'masking'. How can these hearing aids help your tinnitus? Sound therapy such as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy - offering fitting flexibility through the Phonak Target software. Phonak's renowned sound quality makes it easier to hear external sounds, helping draw attention away from tinnitus symptoms.
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You can even pair up to eight devices and use two at the same time, so this means you have access to an infinite variety of sounds to help control your tinnitus, by streaming any audio material from a smartphone to your hearing aids. Whether you prefer white noise or the sound of a whirring fan, you can stream whatever sounds you need straight into your hearing aids.
Resound ONE Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
People with tinnitus experience sounds differently. The Resound Relief app easily assists your symptom management needs. How can these devices offer tinnitus relief? Offering a mix of sound therapies, strategies for relaxation and guidance. Allowing you to design your own soundscapes like white noise and pieces of music for up to five layers at a time.Â
There are also relaxation and meditation exercises for when you need it the most and to support you in your tinnitus spikes.
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With the Resound ONE hearing aids, you can use your smartphone, tablet and your Bluetooth speaker headset to get tinnitus relief at your fingertips. Â
Widex Moment Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
Widex Moment hearing aids include an AI system that trains your hearing aids and makes them more personable, so you gain a much better hearing experience and great tinnitus management features. But, how can they help your tinnitus symptoms?
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Manage your tinnitus symptoms using Widex Zen Therapy Tones. This is a Widex-owned proprietary function that helps to reduce tinnitus symptoms alongside a wider programme of tinnitus therapies.
These fractal tones are produced by the Widex Moment hearing aid to help you relax and unwind, and are used in conjunction with counselling and relaxation techniques to offer relief as part of a management program for tinnitus sufferers.
Signia X Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
Signia X hearing aids offer a technology called Notch Therapy, which has been scientifically proven to decrease tinnitus annoyance. This technique is particularly useful for individuals who have tonal tinnitus, which is considered the most widespread form. But, how do these hearing aids help with tinnitus?
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It manages your tinnitus inaudibly and unobtrusively, unlike the static noise and ocean wave methods that form part of most tinnitus management packages. All you need to do is wear your hearing aids as normal and your symptoms could improve in just a matter of weeks.
Notch Therapy provides the ability to limit your perception of your tinnitus sounds until they are no longer irritating. By consigning the sounds completely into the background over a lengthy period of time, over-stimulation is lowered and your brain gets better at ignoring the sounds, which reduces annoyance.
Research by Signia found that the use of Notch Therapy revealed a marked improvement of tinnitus symptoms in 65% of users.Â
Signia Silk X is a great example of discreet hearing aids for tinnitus. A very small and ready-to-wear hearing aid that sits comfortably within the ear canal and streams audio and calls with ease. They are custom-made devices, so you will benefit from a bespoke fit that is discreet and offers the same great Notch Therapy seen in the above Signia model.
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Want to know more about digital hearing aids for tinnitus and how they can benefit your hearing? Fill out the contact form below or call us free on 0800 567 7621 for support and advice on tinnitus symptoms and management.
We will also put you in touch with your local audiologist for your hearing healthcare needs. Such as finding the right tinnitus hearing aids for you and any future tinnitus and hearing aid problems, adjustments and maintenance.
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Do not spend hundreds of pounds without getting a second opinion from us.
When we refer to a product as 'New', we mean that the product is new to the market.
When we refer to a product as 'Superseded', we mean that there is a newer range available which replaces and improves on this product.
When we refer to a product as an 'Older Model', we mean that it is has been superseded by at least two more recent hearing aid ranges.