Wednesday 21 January 2015

Hearing aids can help those with tinnitus


Imagine wearing a pair of headphones which are playing the sound of a whistling kettle.  Now imagine wearing those headphones all day, and all night, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Horrific it might sound, but that’s what life is like for many people who fall victim to tinnitus.

It is estimated that 10-15% of the population experience tinnitus - a ringing, roaring, whooshing or chirping sound in the ears. However, while there is no cure, scientific research has proven that real tinnitus relief is possible.

The key? Treating the most common underlying cause – hearing loss, which 80% of people with tinnitus have to some degree – alongside one-on-one coaching to help the individual better understand and manage their tinnitus.

There is evidence to suggest hearing aids can mask tinnitus sounds to help improve communication and reduce stress and anxiety levels, which normally exacerbate tinnitus. The loudness and prominence of tinnitus is decreased by activating the auditory system and amplifying background sound.

The knowledge that you can mask tinnitus with a hearing aid is not an innovative concept, but previous hearing aids occluded the ear canal with a tight fitting ear mould. Patients reported a hollow reverberation amplifying chewing sounds and the sensation of tinnitus. A more recent type of hearing aid called the open-fit has been designed to successfully alleviate tinnitus symptoms by introducing a noise-reduction control.

The slim tube connected to the hearing aid is cosmetically appealing, comfortable to wear, as well as eliminating external sound sources without interfering with the transmission of sounds from the outer ear to the inner ear.

Interestingly, experts also believe that even those without significant hearing loss may find hearing aids are helpful. Straining to listen causes increased hearing sensitivity and this can allow tinnitus to emerge or, if present already, to worsen.

How can hearing aids help?

If you have a hearing loss, a hearing aid can help with managing tinnitus by offering sound therapy in the following ways:

  • increase the information available to the brain by amplifying background sounds making the tinnitus seem less audible.
  • improve communication with others, therefore reducing stress levels.
  • helping to compensate for your hearing loss.
  • help you to habituate to tinnitus sounds.

For more information on tinnitus please click here

National Tinnitus Awareness Week runs between 2nd-8th February 2015 and is organised by the British Tinnitus Association.