If you’ve ever experienced a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears, you’re not alone. Tinnitus affects between 15% and 20% of people. For some, it’s a temporary annoyance. But for others, it can be a daily challenge.
The Impact of Chronic Tinnitus
Tinnitus is considered chronic when it lasts for three months or longer. Living with chronic tinnitus can affect more than just your ears. It can lead to:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Frustration during conversations
- Increased stress, anxiety or even depression
When left unaddressed, these effects can have a serious impact on your quality of life.
Currently, there’s no known cure for tinnitus—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many people find relief through hearing aids, especially those designed with tinnitus-friendly features. Let’s take a look at how they work.
How Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus
Hearing aids help minimize tinnitus in two main ways:
- Masking the ringing. Some hearing aids have built-in sound masking features. They emit gentle, soothing background sounds—like white noise, ocean waves or rainfall—that help drown out the internal ringing of tinnitus. This shift in focus can make tinnitus less noticeable and disruptive. Even if your hearing aids don’t have built-in masking, you can often pair them with smartphone apps or online sound therapy tools to get a similar effect.
- Compensating for hearing loss. Since tinnitus often results from inner ear damage, it frequently occurs alongside hearing loss. When your brain isn’t getting enough sound input, it may try to compensate by generating its own, leading to phantom tinnitus sounds. Hearing aids help by restoring the sounds you’re missing, from friendly conversations in Goat Kick Coffee Co. to your favorite music. This added stimulation reduces the brain’s need to fill the silence with tinnitus.
Tinnitus isn’t the same for everyone, so your solution shouldn’t be either. If you’re already using hearing aids, check whether they offer tinnitus masking features. Try using them during stressful or quiet times when the ringing is more noticeable.
If your current devices aren’t cutting it, it might be time to explore newer models or additional treatment options.
Talk to a Hearing Specialist Today
You don’t have to navigate tinnitus on your own. We can help you find the relief you deserve. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced hearing specialists at Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy to explore the best solutions for your lifestyle and needs.