Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a widespread problem, affecting about 10% of U.S. adults.1 In honor of this month’s Tinnitus Awareness Week, we want to let you know about an easy solution for managing tinnitus symptoms—wearing hearing devices.
Since almost anything that can cause hearing loss can also cause tinnitus, many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss also suffer from tinnitus. Fortunately, the hearing devices they wear can help them communicate more effectively and soothe their tinnitus.
Researchers have discovered the following:2
- 27.8% of hearing device users report a moderate to substantial reduction in their tinnitus symptoms when using their devices.
- Two out of three people experience tinnitus relief when wearing hearing devices most or all of the time, and 29% report that using hearing devices alleviates their tinnitus all of the time.
Hearing devices help with tinnitus in several important ways.
- Many devices include tinnitus maskers, which can be beneficial in quiet environments, where tinnitus can seem more dominant.
- Regularly wearing them reduces the cognitive burden involved in the listening process, decreasing stress and anxiety—factors that tend to worsen tinnitus symptoms.
- Because hearing devices amplify background sounds, turning up the volume when wearing them can help cover up the sound of tinnitus, allowing the brain to focus on ambient noises instead. This is especially effective for patients whose tinnitus occurs at the same frequency as their hearing loss.
- Boosting the volume is also helpful for those patients whose tinnitus is so loud and distracting that it interferes with their ability to follow conversations or watch television. Amplifying these sound signals helps mask the ringing in their ears and allows them to hear better.
Think you may have hearing loss and tinnitus? Contact Hearing Focused at (262) 679-8888 for help. We offer thorough audiological testing, new hearing aids, hearing protection, and counseling for total patient satisfaction.
1 American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Understanding the facts. https://www.ata.org/about-tinnitus/why-are-my-ears-ringing/
2 The Hearing Review. (2011). MarkeTrak VIII: the prevalence of tinnitus in the United States and the self-reported efficacy of various treatments. http://www.hearingreview.com/2011/11/marketrak-viii-the-prevalence-of-tinnitus-in-the-united-states-and-the-self-reported-efficacy-of-various-treatments/