The ringing, buzzing or hissing sound that characterizes tinnitus can be quite bothersome and severely impact one’s quality of life. While there is no cure for this symptom of an underlying condition, treatments available can help lessen its impact. One such treatment is hearing aids. So, here’s how hearing aids help people with tinnitus.
Masking The Noise
The first way hearing aids help people with tinnitus is by masking or covering up, the ringing sound. This is accomplished by playing a low-level sound through the hearing aid. This sound may be something like a fan or a gentle rainfall, and it is designed to cover up or mask the tinnitus noise. In some cases, this can make the ringing less noticeable for the person wearing the hearing aids.
The benefits of masking are two-fold. It provides relief from the bothersome ringing, and by covering up the tinnitus noise, it can also help reduce anxiety and stress associated with the condition. This will, in turn, help people with tinnitus lead a more normal, stress-free life.
Amplification Of External Sounds
The second way hearing aids help people with tinnitus is by amplifying external sounds. This means that the hearing aids can make the noises around you more audible, which helps to distract your attention away from the ringing in your ears. That noise is still there but becomes less noticeable when other noises are louder.
Making it easier to be in large crowds or noisy environments can significantly impact the lives of those with tinnitus. This is especially helpful for people with trouble in noisy environments due to tinnitus. They can focus on what’s being said by amplifying the external sounds instead of struggling to hear the ringing sound.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Hearing aids also help with cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on teaching people how to manage and cope with their tinnitus. By providing a low-level sound to mask the ringing in the ears, hearing aids can make it easier for people to do CBT exercises.
For example, if someone is doing an exercise where they consciously focus on other sounds instead of the ringing sound, having a low-level sound playing in the background that covers up some of the noise can help them better concentrate and achieve their desired results.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Finally, hearing aids can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with tinnitus. As mentioned earlier, masking the noise can provide some relief from the bothersome ringing sound. But even beyond that, wearing a hearing aid may also help to increase one’s self-confidence.
When people know they have something in their ears that is helping them manage their tinnitus, it can give them a sense of security and assurance. This feeling of being in control can do wonders for reducing stress and anxiety related to tinnitus.
Hearing aids are an effective treatment option for those with tinnitus. When used properly, they can help mask the noise, amplify external sounds, make it easier to do CBT exercises and reduce stress and anxiety associated with the condition. If you’re having trouble managing your tinnitus, speak to your audiologist about whether hearing aids are right for you.
