Hearing Aids Offer Hope For Tinnitus

By Kathy Mellott, AuD

Hearing aids can offer hope of better hearing for people who suffer from tinnitus, according to a recent survey conducted by the non-profit educational organization Better Hearing Institute (BHI). The survey found that six out of ten patients reported some relief of their tinnitus when using hearing aids and two of ten reported major relief.

Tinnitus is a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both ears that has no external source. It can be intermittent or constant, but for many who suffer from it, tinnitus is so intrusive that it has a debilitating effect on their quality of life. Some 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, and for 12 million the problem is so severe that it affects their everyday lives.

Experts believe that hearing aids can help tinnitus by improving communication and reducing stress, thereby making it easier to accept or cope with the condition. What's more, by amplifying background sound or producing background ambient noise, hearing aids are believed to reduce the loudness or prominence of tinnitus. A new type of hearing aid, called the open-fit hearing aid, may be designed to be particularly useful in alleviating tinnitus. The open-fit hearing aid can reduce the effects of the tinnitus ringing sensation while still allowing sounds from the outside to pass into the ear.

The main source of tinnitus is sensorineural tinnitus which originates in the auditory sensory or neural system. Tinnitus is most frequently caused by exposure to loud noises, an injury to the head or ear, the use of certain medications, or it develops as a natural part of the aging process. Many causes of tinnitus remain unknown, however.

In addition to being evaluated by an audiologist to explore the use of hearing aids to alleviate tinnitus, it is recommended to follow these additional tips for minimizing tinnitus

Avoid exposure to loud sounds and noises.

Get your blood pressure checked. If it is high, get your doctor's help to control it.

Decrease your intake of salt. Salt impairs blood circulation.

Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola, and tobacco.

Exercise daily to improve your circulation.

Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue.