An audiologist will often prescribe hearing aids when a patient comes in with hearing loss. This is for a couple of reasons:

  • Hearing loss may be due to tinnitus
  • Hearing aids amplify external sound to distract from tinnitus

There has been research conducted that shows that hearing aids could help those with tinnitus and it's important to understand what you could get from hearing aids prescribed by your audiologist. When you use hearing aids for the relief of symptoms of tinnitus, they may not be used by themselves, but as a rounded package of care.

Hearing loss and tinnitus

Tinnitus is reported to be an annoying condition, but in some cases, tinnitus can be a debilitating condition from which there is little relief. Some people with normal hearing can experience tinnitus, but the loss of hearing is a gradual process when associated with tinnitus. An appointment with an audiologist could be the best thing that you do when you are looking for a solution to the tinnitus you are experiencing.

Tinnitus and hearing aids

Many audiologists choose to use hearing aids as a means of reducing tinnitus, and they do this as the correction of hearing loss can make a difference to the continuous tone experienced with tinnitus. Hearing aids should be worn whenever you are awake to ensure that you get the best from them. The real question that most patients have is whether or not hearing aids will work for their tinnitus, and there have been studies performed that see how hearing aids have an effect on daily life. These studies have suggested that bilateral hearing aids may be more beneficial than hearing aids in only one ear. Digital hearing aids have been shown to be more accurate than other types of hearing aids, which can benefit how effective hearing aids are for tinnitus.

Types of hearing aids for tinnitus

There is a variety of hearing aids on the market that are used mostly for the purposes of alleviating tinnitus. It's important to know that hearing aids are not a cure, but they can help. Here are some of the main types of hearing aid out there that work well for tinnitus:

Completely-in-canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

These are very discreet hearing aids, and only the removal handle of the hearing aid is visible outside of the ear canal. The feature of this hearing aid type include:

  • Invisible unless looked for
  • Custom fit
  • An open-fit hearing aid type

Invisible (IIC) Digital Hearing Aids

Truly invisible, these hearing aids were created to be tiny enough to go unnoticed. The features include:

  • Custom fit
  • Completely invisible in the ear

In-the-canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

A small portion of the hearing aid is visible in the ear for this hearing aid, but it's still small enough to remain discreet for the wearer. The features include:

  • Variety of color options available
  • Custom fit for your ears – unique to you

Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

This particular hearing aid is very quick to fit and is wonderful for those who have never worn hearing aids before. They're still small in the ear and can be a discreet option for the wearer. The features include things like:

  • More than one color option available
  • Easily adjustable
  • Designed discreetly

Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

This is the hearing aid style that most people recognize around the world. They come in more than one size, and they sit directly behind the ear. The features include:

  • Easy to adjust and program
  • Discreetly designed with more than one color option
  • More about open fit hearing aids

Behind the ear hearing aids work to sit visibly behind your ears, and the open fit hearing aids use a fine tube or speaker in the ear canal rather than an external casing. The fine tube delivers sound into the ear, and it works to allow amplified sound that won't block out external noise at the same time. There's also no 'occlusion effect' – the same effect that sounds like your head is in a box!

For the most part, hearing aids can be excellent as a relief for tinnitus. Those who are concerned about the appearance of hearing aids can speak to their audiologist about the types of hearing aids that are available today. To book your appointment, learn more about Hinderliter Hearing Services and call this phone number: 248-430-8425. You can book in to see how we can help you with your tinnitus and how we can relieve the symptoms for you.