Hearing Aids and Tinnitus: When They Help and How to Choose

AudiologyOctober 13, 20269 min read

Hearing aids for tinnitus can help when tinnitus comes together with hearing loss. According to the US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), hearing aids are one of the main treatment options for people with tinnitus who have hearing loss: they make outside sounds louder, which can make the tinnitus less noticeable. They do not make tinnitus go away, and there is currently no cure for tinnitus, so the realistic goal is to reduce how much it bothers you.

Whether a hearing aid is worth trying depends first on your hearing. If a hearing test shows normal hearing, a hearing aid is unlikely to be the answer, and other approaches matter more. If it shows hearing loss, a well-fitted hearing aid may help with both listening and the tinnitus. That is why the process starts with an assessment, not with choosing a device.

Who may benefit from hearing aids for tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound, such as ringing, buzzing or hissing, that has no outside source. NIDCD notes that hearing loss, whether from ageing or loud noise, is strongly associated with tinnitus. Many people with tinnitus also have some hearing loss, sometimes without realising it.

Hearing aids are most often considered when:

A hearing test shows hearing loss in one or both ears.
The tinnitus is most noticeable in quiet rooms, when there are few outside sounds to cover it.
You also struggle to follow conversations, or turn the TV up more than others in the family.
The tinnitus and the effort of listening leave you tired or tense by the end of the day.

If your hearing is within the normal range, an audiologist may suggest other approaches instead, such as the sound therapy and counselling options described below. Our article on tinnitus causes and how it is assessed explains the condition itself in more detail.

How hearing aids may help with tinnitus

When you have hearing loss, the quiet everyday sounds around you, such as voices in the next room, the air conditioner or birds outside, become harder to hear. In that quieter world, tinnitus can stand out. A hearing aid brings back some of those everyday sounds, so the tinnitus has more competition. NIDCD describes this effect simply: hearing aids amplify external noises, which helps you engage with the world while making tinnitus less noticeable.

There are other practical gains too:

Less listening strain. Following speech with less effort can make the day feel less tiring, and many people notice their tinnitus more when they are tired or stressed.
Better conversations. Hearing others more clearly can reduce the frustration that often comes with tinnitus and hearing loss together.
A routine. Wearing hearing aids through the day keeps sound around you during the hours when tinnitus might otherwise be most noticeable.

The benefit differs from person to person. Some people find their tinnitus much less noticeable while wearing hearing aids; others notice a smaller change. The improvement usually depends on how well the hearing aids match your hearing test results, how many hours a day you wear them, and follow-up adjustments.

What hearing aids do not do

It is important to be clear about the limits:

They do not make tinnitus disappear, and they do not reverse hearing loss.
The effect is mainly while you are wearing them. When you take them off at night, the tinnitus may be as noticeable as before. Our article on tinnitus at night has practical tips for sleep.
They are not a substitute for a medical check when something new or unusual is happening.

Start with a tinnitus assessment and a hearing test

Before anyone recommends a device, your hearing and your tinnitus should be assessed. A tinnitus assessment looks at how the tinnitus affects you, while the hearing test may include pure-tone audiometry, speech testing when needed and a middle-ear check. The results show whether there is hearing loss, its type and degree in each ear, and whether anything needs medical attention first. You do not need a referral for a hearing test at Jordan Hearing & Speech.

NIDCD advises that people with tinnitus first see a doctor, who can check for problems such as earwax or fluid from an ear infection. It also notes that an ear, nose and throat specialist may order imaging tests, especially if the tinnitus pulses in time with your heartbeat.

Seek urgent medical care the same day if tinnitus comes with a sudden drop in hearing, particularly in one ear. Sudden hearing loss needs prompt medical treatment, as explained in our article on sudden hearing loss. See a doctor promptly, too, if tinnitus comes with dizziness, ear pain or discharge.

How to choose hearing aids when you have tinnitus

Choosing hearing aids when you have tinnitus follows the same steps as choosing for hearing loss: the test results come first, then practical needs. A few points deserve extra attention.

Ask what features your options have

The published Danavox catalogue on our site does not list a dedicated tinnitus feature for any model. So rather than looking for a "tinnitus hearing aid" on a specification sheet, ask your audiologist which settings and programmes are possible for the models that suit your hearing, and how they would be adjusted for you.

Comfort for all-day wear

Because hearing aids help tinnitus mainly while they are worn, comfort matters. A style that feels light and secure is easier to wear from morning to evening. Style choice depends on your hearing results and ear shape; you can see the range in our hearing aid catalogue, which includes receiver-in-canal, behind-the-ear, completely-in-canal and rechargeable designs.

Rechargeable or battery

Several Danavox families include rechargeable models that are charged overnight; others use disposable zinc-air batteries. A rechargeable model can make the daily routine simpler, but not every model in a family is rechargeable, so check the specific model with your audiologist.

Phone and audio streaming

Many models in the catalogue can stream calls and audio from compatible phones, and the exact connectivity differs by family. NIDCD notes that smartphone apps can produce soothing sounds, similar to sound generators, and some people like to listen to calm audio. Ask your audiologist whether streaming audio through your hearing aids is suitable in your case.

Technology level

Higher technology levels generally adapt more automatically to noisy and changing places. That can make listening easier in daily life, but the right level depends on your needs, not on the tinnitus alone.

Other approaches that may be combined

Hearing aids are one tool among several. NIDCD describes other approaches that may be used alone or alongside hearing aids:

Sound therapy: tabletop or smartphone sound generators, often used for relaxation or sleep, and wearable sound generators worn in the ear.
Counselling: helps reduce the impact of tinnitus on daily life.
Cognitive behavioural therapy: teaches ways to deal with distressing thoughts about tinnitus; NIDCD notes studies showing it can improve well-being.

Your audiologist can explain which combination may suit you.

After the fitting: follow-up matters

At the fitting appointment, the hearing aids are programmed to your test results and you are shown how to use, clean and charge them or change their batteries. The first weeks can feel unfamiliar, because you are hearing sounds you had been missing. Follow-up visits are used to fine-tune the settings, and they are a good time to report how your tinnitus has changed. Every Danavox hearing aid from us comes with a one-year warranty; the full terms, including what is not covered, are listed on our hearing aids page.

Frequently asked questions

Can hearing aids cure tinnitus?

No. There is currently no cure for tinnitus. For people who also have hearing loss, hearing aids may make tinnitus less noticeable by bringing back outside sounds, and many find that useful. The benefit varies from person to person.

Do hearing aids help tinnitus if my hearing is normal?

They are mainly used for people with tinnitus who also have hearing loss. If your hearing test is normal, your audiologist may suggest other approaches, such as sound therapy or counselling.

Is there a Danavox hearing aid made specifically for tinnitus?

The published catalogue on our site does not list a dedicated tinnitus feature. Your audiologist can explain the settings available for the models that suit your hearing.

Will my tinnitus come back when I take the hearing aids off?

Often it is more noticeable again without the hearing aids, especially in quiet rooms or at night. This is normal.

When is tinnitus urgent?

Tinnitus with a sudden drop in hearing needs same-day medical care. Tinnitus with dizziness, ear pain or discharge, or tinnitus that pulses with your heartbeat, should be checked by a doctor promptly.

Book an appointment

If tinnitus bothers you, start with an assessment. You can book an appointment for a tinnitus assessment and hearing test at our clinic in Bousher, Muscat, opposite Oman Mall, or call or WhatsApp +968 9171 8373. No referral is needed for a hearing test.

Sources

NIDCD (NIH) — Tinnitus
Danavox product portfolio as published in our hearing aids catalogue on this site.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified professional.

Tinnitus Assessment & Follow-up