Hearing Aids for Tinnitus UK: Hearing aids for tinnitus masking, do they work?

Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Reviews, Styles and Prices for 2024

Can hearing aids help tinnitus?

Are there hearing aids for tinnitus?

Tinnitus hearing aids, will they help my tinnitus symptoms?  Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any external stimuli. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can be caused by a variety of factors, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, and certain medications.

But, can you get tinnitus relief by using hearing aids or "tinnitus maskers"?  Here, we talk about how effective hearing aids are as a treatment and management system for tinnitus and how they can help reduce the negative impact it can have on your life.

Tinnitus meaning

But, what exactly is tinnitus?  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.  The British Tinnitus Awareness (BTA) organisation, also states that around 80% of the UK who suffer from tinnitus, also have hearing loss.

With this in mind, and since hearing loss is often a gradual method, many individuals are astonished when hearing loss is diagnosed alongside their tinnitus complaints.

Tinnitus causes

What are the common causes of tinnitus?  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 continues to be undertaken, but unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this 'invisible condition', there are successful treatments, support therapies, and choices of hearing aid devices for tinnitus that are designed to relieve symptoms.

Hearing Aids for Tinnitus UK

The effectiveness of hearing aids for tinnitus therapy

Do hearing aids help tinnitus? 

Is there a hearing aid for tinnitus and do they work?  Hearing aids can be an effective treatment for tinnitus, particularly for people who also have hearing loss. Many hearing aids now come with tinnitus-specific features that can help to reduce the perceived intensity of the tinnitus and improve the person's quality of life.

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 support or as part of a wider package of hearing healthcare therapy - designed by your audiologist.

How do tinnitus hearing aids work?

Hearing aids help with tinnitus by using various features.  These are:

Hearing aids for tinnitus reduce the focus of the tinnitus sounds: 

Hearing aids enable wearers to hear the noises they may miss, which can be disguised by tinnitus.  They make hearing actual physical sounds easier, which makes it easier to ignore irritating internal sounds throughout your day.  For example, such tinnitus maskers produce a low-level, broadband noise that is intended to mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.

Hearing aids for hearing aids improve personal mood:  

Hearing aids for tinnitus can improve emotions and mental well-being, such as reducing depression and anxiety.  They assist in giving a better quality of life.

Hearing aids for tinnitus give you cognitive support: 

Hearing aids help facilitate improved stimulation between the brain and the auditory pathways, which may help support a reduction in tinnitus noises.

Hearing aids for tinnitus offer you full control: 

Many hearing aids have tinnitus management programmes, which are usually external noises brought in to help mask the troubling sounds of tinnitus. This can be in the form of white noise or simulated environmental sounds and offers a kind of sound therapy to help sufferers ease their symptoms.  This is particularly useful when sufferers experience tinnitus spikes.

Hearing aids for tinnitus improve concentration: 

Tinnitus hearing aids can help with clearer speech, reducing the ‘effort’ of hearing and, therefore, improving concentration and communication.

Hearing aids for tinnitus provide noise generators:

These devices produce a soft, background noise that can help to mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.

Hearing aids for tinnitus offer sound therapy:

Some hearing aids come with pre-programmed sound therapy options that can help to reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus. These options may include nature sounds, music, or white noise.

Treatment for Tinnitus NHS

NHS hearing aids for tinnitus

Looking for NHS tinnitus hearing aids?  

In the UK, the NHS provides hearing aids to those with hearing loss, including those with tinnitus. The type of hearing aid offered may depend on the individual's specific needs and the severity of their hearing loss.

An audiologist or hearing specialist can assess the patient's hearing and recommend the most suitable option. If a person is eligible for NHS-funded hearing aids, they will be provided free of charge.

The connection between tinnitus and hearing loss

Hearing loss can cause tinnitus, as sound processing changes.  In some cases, hearing loss can cause tinnitus, as when you have some degree of hearing loss naturally 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 access to external sounds, this can, in turn, amplify tinnitus sounds like roaring, whistling, ringing, buzzing, and clicking.

There are beneficial hearing aid features now available for tinnitus 

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, and using beneficial apps and relaxation technique programs.  These hearing aids come in many types and can also cater to different levels of hearing loss.

Heard of hearing coaches?  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.

Our Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Review 2024

Hearing Aids for Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

What are our top picks for hearing aids with tinnitus therapies?

Below are our top picks for tinnitus hearing aids 2024 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. 

Our tinnitus hearing aid review and recommendations are based on our network of audiologists and their patients' 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. 

So, what are the best hearing aids for tinnitus in 2024?  Let's find out what the best hearing aids and tinnitus maskers recommended by our audiologists

Winner

Oticon Intent 1 hearing aids hearing aids for tinnitus

With less effort in loud settings, Oticon Intent hearing aids provide 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.  These sounds include waves and white noise.

Oticon Intent hearing aid tinnitus app

Moreover, with the Oticon Intent 1 ON app, alternative tinnitus relief options like your favourite music, audiobooks, podcasts, or even relaxation guides can be streamed wirelessly.

Second Place

Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere i90 hearing aids for tinnitus

The Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere i90 hearing aids offer advanced features to help manage tinnitus. These devices utilise innovative sound therapy techniques to mask tinnitus sounds and provide relief. The i90's advanced noise reduction and directional microphones help to focus on desired sounds, reducing the perception of tinnitus.

These Phonak hearing aids can be personalised to your specific hearing needs and tinnitus symptoms, ensuring optimal comfort and relief. With the i90, you can experience a significant reduction in tinnitus distress, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Third Place

Resound Nexia 9 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. 

There are also relaxation and meditation exercises for when you need them the most and to support you in your tinnitus spikes.

Resound Nexia hearing aid tinnitus app

With the Resound Nexia 9 hearing aids, you can use your smartphone, tablet and Bluetooth speaker headset to get tinnitus relief at your fingertips.  

Fourth Place

Widex SmartRIC 440 hearing aids for tinnitus

Widex SmartRIC 440 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?

Widex SmartRIC hearing aid tinnitus app

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 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.

Fifth Place

Signia 7IX hearing aids for tinnitus

Signia IX provides three distinct strategies to combat tinnitus, tailored to what suits you best: static noise therapy, ocean wave therapy, and Signa’s exclusive tinnitus Notch therapy. Research by Signia found that the use of Notch Therapy revealed a marked improvement in tinnitus symptoms in 65% of users. 

Signia IX hearing aids offer a diverse selection of hearing aids, ensuring there’s an option for everyone. However, a drawback is that not all IX models equipped with tinnitus relief feature the latest technologies. For instance, Signia's newer models, such as the Signia Active IX, incorporate more advanced technology compared to the Insio NX, IIC, CIC, and ITE models. 

Signia IX hearing aid tinnitus app

Signia offers a tinnitus therapy feature through their Signia app, specifically designed for use with compatible Signia hearing aids. It addresses your tinnitus discreetly and quietly, setting itself apart from the static noise and ocean wave techniques typically found in most tinnitus management programs. Simply wear your hearing aids as you usually would, and you may notice an improvement in your symptoms within just a few weeks.

Notch Therapy offers a way to diminish your awareness of tinnitus sounds until they become less bothersome. By gradually pushing these sounds into the background over an extended period, it reduces over-stimulation, allowing your brain to become more adept at ignoring them, thus minimising irritation. This app allows users to personalise settings based on their specific tinnitus frequency and severity.

Looking for In-Ear hearing aids for tinnitus?

Signia Insio 7IX is a great example of a discreet hearing aid 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.

Another benefit is that they are custom-made rechargeable hearing aids, so you can wear them with comfort and confidence knowing they will give you the support you need all day.

Looking for Tinnitus Hearing Aids Near Me?

Discover how effective are hearing aids for tinnitus locally

Your local audiologist can put you on a tinnitus treatment plan

It's important to note that hearing aids are not a cure for tinnitus, but they can be an effective treatment for many people. If you are interested in using hearing aids for tinnitus, it's a good idea to speak with an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional to determine the best treatment options for your specific needs.  Here is some simple guidance:

• Don't ignore the facts about tinnitus: 

Hearing loss is a common factor in tinnitus.  About 80% of people in the UK who are suffering from tinnitus also have hearing loss. Various research projects provide evidence that hearing aids provide relief.  This is why audiologists recommend hearing aids if you suffer from tinnitus and have hearing loss.

• Understand the technology that can help tinnitus: 

Some modern hearing aids have TSG (tinnitus sound generators) technology within the devices.  This can also be called tinnitus therapy.  Research online and explore what tinnitus management is available in the industry.

• Ask the experts about tinnitus:

Don't suffer in noise -  get help and contact your local hearing professional.  They have the right training and experience to assess your ears, hearing ability, and tinnitus.  They will go through all the best hearing aids for tinnitus and provide expert recommendations to help you get the help and relief you need - whatever budget you have.

• Expand your tinnitus support resources: 

As well as wearing hearing aids, you can also tap into sound therapy counselling and relaxation.  Ask your audiologist for more information and guidance for a full support treatment plan.

Conclusion

Hearing aids can be helpful for some people with tinnitus, especially those who also have hearing loss. Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source of sound. It is a common problem, and many people who have tinnitus also have hearing loss.

Hearing aids can help by amplifying external sounds, which can help to mask tinnitus and make it less noticeable. They can also help to improve communication and overall quality of life for people with tinnitus and hearing loss.

It is important to consult with a hearing healthcare professional to determine whether hearing aids would be helpful in your specific case. They can conduct a thorough evaluation and recommend the best treatment options for you.

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