Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus in 2024
Our experts reviewed and researched the best hearing aids for tinnitus and found ReSound, Widex, and Signia to be the top options for seniors.
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- Tinnitus management feature
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
- Unique Features: Both free and paid tinnitus support
- Zen tinnitus management app can provide long-term relief
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
- Unique Features: Excellent sound quality for musicians
- Patented Notch Therapy (NT) for tonal tinnitus
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
- Unique features: NT can eliminate tinnitus entirely in some patients
- Only OTC hearing aid with tinnitus treatment features
- Offers relief via the Tinnitus Sound Generator
- Highly customizable sound calibration and control
- Sound Adjust feature automatically recalibrates sound in the surrounding environment
- Long battery life
- Track record of providing relief from tinnitus symptoms
Our audiologists and senior tech experts tested the industry’s leading hearing aids to find the best solutions for people with tinnitus.
Our audiologists and senior tech experts tested the industry’s leading hearing aids to find the best solutions for people with tinnitus.
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Key Takeaways
- ReSound Nexia won our top spot for tinnitus hearing aids, because it offers some of the most natural sound quality for tinnitus patients, plus tinnitus sound therapy and educational resources via the ReSound Relief mobile app.
- Tinnitus affects nearly 1 in 6 adults, with most tinnitus patients falling between the ages of 40 and 80.1
- Some form of sound therapy is the most important feature to look for in a hearing aid for tinnitus, because it can help minimize tinnitus “buzzing” and maximize natural sound in your environment.
As many as 60 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, many of whom are older adults with diminished hearing.2 That means hearing aids with tinnitus-management features are particularly important for people with hearing loss. The features include things such as symptom relief via ambient sound generation, automatic calibration based on environmental noises, and audiologist support. Not all seniors with hearing loss can get tinnitus relief from hearing aids, but those who can will likely see the best results from hearing aids that offer tinnitus-specific features.
Our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, and our team of tech experts tested and researched the best hearing aids for tinnitus, evaluating each for important criteria such as tinnitus-specific features, price, ease of use, sound quality, and more. ReSound’s Nexia model is our top pick, thanks to the company’s enhanced tinnitus sound therapy features and the Nexia’s third microphone, which offers a more natural listening experience.
Below we’ll dive into the best hearing aids for tinnitus. We’ll also cover tinnitus therapy, treatment options, and how veterans can receive audiology care — including hearing aids — for their tinnitus.
Our team tested all of the hearing aids on our best list, including Eargo.
Here Are the Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus 2024
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ReSound - ReSound Relief mobile app features sound therapy, tinnitus education, and relaxation exercises
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Widex - Zen tinnitus management app offers unique sound therapy for long-term relief
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Signia - Patented tinnitus therapy provides a wide range of tinnitus relief options with the potential to eliminate tinnitus completely
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Jabra Enhance - 90 percent of users report relief of tinnitus symptoms -
Eargo - Evidence-based reduction in tinnitus symptoms when wearing Eargo devices
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
Our team testing out different hearing aids
How We Tested the Hearing Aids
Our tech team conducted over 100 hours of hands-on testing and research to evaluate each hearing aid for tinnitus management. We focused on a wide range of factors that could affect efficacy and comfort for users, and we took notes on our experience.
Here’s what our testing process looked like for OTC hearing aids that could be ordered online without a prescription:
- We tried each brand’s online hearing test, comparing our results to in-person evaluations from an audiologist.
- We selected our hearing aids and made our purchase, evaluating the purchasing process. We considered the price and value of each device, keeping seasonal promotions, extra fees, and up-front costs in mind.
- Once we got our hearing aids in the mail, we followed the instructions to set them up. If the brand had a mobile app, we downloaded it and tried any features designed for tinnitus. We also evaluated the ease of use and the total number of steps required to get our devices up and running
- We spoke with customer service multiple times to evaluate the quality of care by phone, mobile app (if applicable), and online chat features.
- Our team tested each hearing aid for a week, using them at home, in noisy environments, and in quiet conversational settings. We evaluated the hearing aid’s features, sound quality, ease of use, and ability to provide tinnitus relief in each location.
For prescription hearing aids that can’t be ordered online, we spoke with Dr. Reisman about her experience with each brand. We used her experience prescribing and testing the hearing aids, along with feedback from her patients, to evaluate and rank them.
How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids
Having a plethora of options to choose from can make it harder to decide on the best hearing aid for tinnitus. That’s why Dr. Reisman and our tech team focused on specific features that make certain models and providers better for people who struggle with tinnitus and hearing loss. More specifically, we examined the below criteria for each hearing aid provider.
- Tinnitus features: Not all hearing aids are designed with tinnitus patients in mind. While amplifying external sound can help minimize tinnitus ringing, certain features combine sound amplification with different forms of sound therapy to target tinnitus symptoms. Our team tested different brands and models to see which ones offered sound therapy, and compiled our results with the recommendations of Dr. Reisman.
- Sound quality: Sound quality is important in any type of hearing aid, but it’s particularly important for older adults with tinnitus. The symptoms of tinnitus can be mild, profound, or somewhere in between, and even the slightest improvements in sound quality can help environmental sounds drown out the buzzing or ringing symptoms. We tried out multiple providers to see which ones could offer the best overall sound quality. We also took into consideration the ability to adjust sound settings for different situations and sound environments.
- Size and design: Some seniors prefer small, discreet hearing aids, while others don’t mind wearing a behind-the-ear (BTE) model that’s much larger and more visible. Our tech team tested various types of tinnitus hearing aids that varied in size and design.
- Price: Price is a big factor for tinnitus sufferers, especially if they’re already seeking other forms of medical treatment for the condition. We evaluated the best tinnitus hearing aids at multiple price points to ensure that we found a quality option for seniors on virtually any budget.
- Ease of use: While some older adults are tech-savvy and have no issues with new devices, others are not. We spent hands-on time with each model to see how easy (or hard) they were to use. Our tests covered the initial setup, as well as ongoing maintenance and settings adjustments.
Why Trust Us
Our team of senior tech experts tries the latest devices for older adults each year. We’ve logged hundreds of hours testing and reviewing hearing aids from dozens of providers.
We also worked with experts, such as Dr. Reisman, to learn about prescription hearing aids for tinnitus. She has personally tested and prescribed hearing aids from all the providers on our list, and she gave her seal of approval for each entry. She worked alongside us to choose the best ones for tinnitus and offered her feedback on specific providers and models. Dr. Reisman has 15 years of experience working with older adults with hearing loss and tinnitus.
Can a Hearing Aid Stop Tinnitus?
There is no quick fix or cure for tinnitus, but there are effective treatments to help manage symptoms. Well-fitted hearing aids are a key initial step to treating tinnitus. Hearing aids can help reduce symptoms by masking those irritating ringing sounds and amplifying the environmental sounds you actually want to hear. In other words, hearing aids try to distract your brain from tinnitus while teaching it to focus on other sounds. Some prescription hearing aids, such as those offered by Widex and Signia, may be able to offer long-term or even permanent relief from tinnitus symptoms.
» Learn More: How to Choose a Hearing Aid
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1. ReSound - Best tinnitus relief app
What we like most
- Tinnitus management feature
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
- Unique Features: Both free and paid tinnitus support
ReSoundOverview:
Testing out ReSound BTE hearing aids
Price: $1,000 to $3,750 per ear
Designed for: Mild to profound hearing loss
Hearing aid type: Prescription
Styles: Variety of in-ear and BTE options
ReSound’s hearing aid line and tinnitus-management features support users with mild to profound hearing loss. This is one major advantage ReSound and Signia have over providers like Jabra Enhance and MDHearing. Older adults with any level of hearing loss can find a ReSound hearing aid to fit their needs, as well as a variety of sizes and styles to choose from. The Assist Live remote service also makes adjustments easy on the fly. Dr. Reisman recommends the ReSound Nexia due to its third microphone that allows for enhanced natural sound quality.
» Related Reading: ReSound vs. Signia
What ReSound has in variety, however, it lacks in convenience. Unlike OTC hearing aids like Jabra Enhance and Eargo, ReSound requires an in-person visit with an audiologist to get a prescription. This means that seniors with tinnitus may be able to get a better fitting for their ear canals and specific tinnitus symptoms, but they’ll have to deal with a slower and less convenient process.
ReSound’s use of the 2.4 GHz wireless platform makes it easier to connect smartphones and other devices than standard Bluetooth-ready hearing aids, as it has a longer range and better energy efficiency. This makes ReSound a solid option for seniors who want to stream music, watch videos, or even make phone calls.
» Our Full Review: ReSound hearing aid reviews from an audiologist
Pros & Cons:Pros About ReSound
- Tinnitus therapy and resources in ReSound Relief app
- Real-time remote adjustments via Assist Live
- Supports mild to profound hearing loss
- Customized hearing aids for optimal comfort
- Surround sound technology
- Bluetooth direct audio streaming and surround-sound technology
- Three-microphone system available on select models
Cons About ReSound
- Must purchase through an in-person visit with a hearing clinic
- Virtual support may come with a learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Our Hands-on Experience:Tinnitus Features
The ReSound Tinnitus Relief app takes a multipronged approach to decreasing tinnitus symptoms. Users can tap into resources, including sound therapy, tinnitus education, and relaxation exercises. All the tinnitus tools and therapies are free in the app’s basic version, perfect for seniors on a budget. Users can upgrade to the premium version for $6.99 per month, or $69.99 per year, for a tailored tinnitus plan and additional app features.
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,I advise all patients to download the Resound Tinnitus app. It is helpful to give patients additional tools to manage their tinnitus, particularly when there is a shift in intensity or frequency. Having control over the sound they prefer to hear over their tinnitus is very therapeutic.We found that the synchronization between the directional microphones made it easier to block out background noise in a variety of settings. This also made listening a less laborious task. According to our resident audiologist, Dr. Brad Ingrao, the placement of the microphone in the helix of the inner ear has proved to enhance speech understanding in spite of tinnitus buzzing or background noise. In his experience, the Resound Tinnitus Relief app is one of the best and most effective supportive apps for tinnitus.
ReSound Tinnitus Relief App
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2. Widex - Best tinnitus masker
What we like most
- Zen tinnitus management app can provide long-term relief
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
- Unique Features: Excellent sound quality for musicians
WidexOverview:
Testing out Widex Moment hearing aids
Price: $1,000 to $3,750 per ear
Designed for: Mild to severe hearing loss
Hearing aid type: Prescription
Styles: Variety of in-ear and BTE options
Widex’s hearing aid models are specifically designed to help adults with hearing loss that ranges from mild to severe. It’s important to note Widex doesn’t have options for profound hearing loss like other prescription providers, including ReSound and Signia. However, Widex can still work for a wider range of users than Jabra Enhance or Eargo.
» You Might Like: Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss
Widex is widely recognized as one of the best providers of hearing aids for musicians. Dr. Reisman specifically states that the Widex Sheer Moment “ZeroDelay technology allows music and speech to be prioritized and offers the best sound quality for the user.” Additionally, she notes that “Widex has been at the forefront of tinnitus management” for years. The downside is that, unlike tinnitus-friendly hearing aids from Jabra Enhance and Eargo, Widex hearing aids require an in-person consultation.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Widex
- Supports mild to severe hearing loss
- Widex app enables easy adjustments and personalization
- Best-in-class PureSound ZeroDelay technology
- Water-resistant
- Direct iOS and Android streaming
- Excellent sound quality for musicians
Cons About Widex
- Cannot purchase online
- Remote Link, a dedicated programming interface for remote care, must be obtained from the provider
Our Hands-on Experience:Tinnitus Features
Widex’s hearing aid models are all compatible with the company’s Zen tinnitus management app. This user-friendly app focuses on the sound therapy aspect of tinnitus treatment. The white line-noise sounds can be selected by the dispenser or via the Zen smartphone app. Widex’s tinnitus management is unique, as the sound patterns are ever-changing, which prevents patients from adapting to the noises.
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,Widex’s fractal tones are uniquely different from any other manufacturer. Because the fractal tones always shift their melody ever so slightly, the preferred Zen masker will always be able to keep the patient’s tinnitus at bay. The risk of habituation to the fractal tones is much lower than any other white-noise masker.Should the therapy work, it will likely continue to work long-term, keeping tinnitus at bay for longer. When the distraction of tinnitus flares up, the user can activate the Zen app, easily tailoring the type of sound and level needed for optimal relief. We loved having this type of immediate customizable care right at our fingertips. Dr. Ingrao likes that users can select different sounds and adjust them based on the quality and loudness of their tinnitus at any time.
» Our Full Review: Widex Hearing Aid Review
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3. Signia - Best for long-term relief
What we like most
- Patented Notch Therapy (NT) for tonal tinnitus
- Mobile app for remote adjustments
- Unique features: NT can eliminate tinnitus entirely in some patients
SigniaOverview:
Trying out Signia's Silk hearing aids
Price: $1,000 to $3,750 per ear
Designed for: Mild to profound hearing loss
Hearing aid type: Prescription
Styles: Variety of in-ear and BTE options
Like ReSound, Signia offers a wide range of products designed for adults with mild to profound hearing loss. It’s also one of the only providers on this list that has dispensers in countries outside the U.S. to provide warranty services to Americans living or traveling abroad. It also has multiple hearing aid models that are great for adults with tinnitus, with the potential to provide long-term relief and possibly even subdue the condition permanently.
Inside Tip: Signia and Widex are both well-established brands in the hearing aid industry. Learn more about their product features, including tinnitus relief, in our Signia vs. Widex comparison.
Signia’s hearing aids have advanced features that OTC providers don’t offer. For example, let’s say you’re having a group conversation, turning your head to look at different people. The other people are moving and speaking in different directions as well. Signia’s IX Silk hearing aids can pinpoint individual voices and focus on those sounds, minimizing background noise and maximizing your ability to listen — even when people are talking over each other! This makes Signia a great choice for complex listening environments.
» Our Full Review: Signia Hearing Aid Reviews
Pros & Cons:Pros About Signia
- Suitable for all levels of hearing loss
- Patented Notch Therapy for tonal tinnitus
- Mimics natural hearing via Own Voice Processing
- Manage audio settings, connectivity, and preferences with Signia app
- Direct streaming of phone calls, music, and TV audio via Bluetooth
- Remote telehealth support available
Cons About Signia
- Requires a consultation
- Higher price point
- Can’t be purchased online
Our Hands-on Experience:Tinnitus Features
Signia’s hearing aids deliver innovative tinnitus therapy in a sophisticated hearing aid design. Their tinnitus strategies target both fluctuating non-tonal and tonal tinnitus. Soothing ocean waves, static presets, and Signia’s patented Notch Therapy (NT) provide users with several tinnitus relief options. NT is a targeted approach that enables the brain to recalibrate and take control of tonal tinnitus. According to a study conducted by AudiologyOnline, NT offers the potential to eliminate tinnitus entirely in some patients.3
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,Combining Signia’s Notched Therapy and a frequency-shaped masker has shown greater success at reducing tinnitus symptoms than either therapeutic option independently. -
4. Jabra Enhance - Best Overall
What we like most
- Only OTC hearing aid with tinnitus treatment features
- Offers relief via the Tinnitus Sound Generator
- Highly customizable sound calibration and control
Jabra EnhanceOverview:
Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids
Price: $995 to $1,995 per pair
Designed for: Mild to moderate hearing loss
Hearing aid type: Over-the-counter (OTC)
Styles: BTE
Jabra Enhance, formerly named Lively, is an OTC hearing aid provider. While the brand doesn’t have specific features for tinnitus, their BTE hearing aids may still help reduce tinnitus symptoms, and they’re a great option for people who can’t afford prescription hearing aids. Jabra Enhance hearing aids make the external sounds you want to hear louder, which can mask tinnitus symptoms. All three Jabra Enhance hearing aid models can also be adjusted and customized in the Jabra Enhance Select mobile app to best fit your hearing needs. Plus, Premium packages offer three years of follow-up support from an audiologist, who you can speak with about your options for tinnitus relief. Prices start at $995 per pair, making them a more affordable option than the other OTC option on our list, Eargo.
From the Provider: Jabra Enhance reports that 90 percent of their customers experience some relief from tinnitus.
Even though Jabra Enhance and ReSound hearing aids are manufactured by the same company, GN Hearing, Jabra Enhance offers its OTC models at more competitive prices; however, they are only suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, while ReSound offers more advanced solutions for all levels of hearing loss.
» For Phone Shoppers: Cell Phones for Seniors: A Buyer’s Guide
Keep in mind that Jabra Enhance’s follow-up care is only available in Premium packages, which cost $200 more than the Basic package. While it may cost a bit more, the upside is that you can request the same audiologist each time, which can help make your virtual visits more personalized. If you don’t want to spend more, you can stream directly to your Jabra Enhance hearing aids from third-party tinnitus apps on an iOS or Android device. Just keep in mind that this won’t offer the same customization or efficacy that you would get from a professional fitting.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jabra Enhance
- Three years of follow-up care with the Jabra Enhance audiology team for premium packages
- Hearing environment presets with 360-degree sound
- No in-person office visit required
- Direct streaming from Apple and Android devices
- Remote adjustments available
- 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons About Jabra Enhance
- Not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss
- Only behind-the-ear (BTE) models available
- Must have a compatible smartphone or tablet
Our Hands-on Experience:Tinnitus Features
As over-the-counter hearing aids, Jabra Enhance devices don’t come preset for your specific needs right out of the box. That said, Jabra Enhance allows you to meet (virtually) with a specialist first so that you can get a more customized experience. We met with an audiologist to set up our hearing aids and adjust the settings to best fit our hearing loss. We asked about features for tinnitus relief, and the audiologist let us know that there aren’t any specific features for tinnitus, though the hearing aids may help relieve symptoms. The audiologist recommended downloading the ReSound Tinnitus Relief app, which is one of our favorite options for tinnitus treatment.
Based on our testing, we think the Jabra Enhance Select 300 offers the best value for older adults with mild hearing loss and tinnitus, as its advanced sound system is specifically designed to drown out “background” noise (internal or external) and amplify the things you want to hear, particularly human speech. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the settings based on your environment via the mobile app; we were even able to tinker with the noise filter and sound clarity to further customize what we wanted (and didn’t want) to hear. Trying to make similar adjustments on the hearing aids themselves is a bit trickier, as we had to rely on the number of beeps to know if the devices were set to Restaurant, Outdoors, or something else entirely.
FYI: Tinnitus symptoms can look different from one person to the next. Some people experience constant buzzing or ticking, while others only hear intrusive sounds occasionally.4
Dr. Reisman notes that the Jabra Enhance 300 is a “great solution for someone who is independently tech savvy and wants an affordable and flexible solution to manage their hearing loss and tinnitus.” We also tried out the hands-free calling feature and didn’t experience any additional buzzing or feedback, which is great for seniors who want to multitask without exacerbating their tinnitus symptoms. We didn’t experience any feedback when placing the Jabra Enhance hearing aids in our ears either, which is a common issue among low-cost hearing aids.
» Our Full Review: Jabra Enhance Hearing Aid Review 2024
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5. Eargo - Best Low Profile
What we like most
- Sound Adjust feature automatically recalibrates sound in the surrounding environment
- Long battery life
- Track record of providing relief from tinnitus symptoms
EargoOverview:
Testing out Eargo 7 hearing aids
Price: $799 to $2,950 per pair
Designed for: Mild to moderate hearing loss
Hearing aid type: OTC
Styles: In-the-canal (ITC) and earbuds
According to Eargo, many Eargo hearing aid wearers have reported a reduction in tinnitus symptoms; as hearing aids amplify other sounds, they can reduce the volume of tinnitus. Eargo hearing aids are affordable — with prices starting as low as $799 — and can be purchased online. With three ITC and one earbud-style device available, Eargo’s hearing aids are discreet and virtually invisible. That’s something you can’t get with one of the BTE models from Jabra Enhance.
After taking an online hearing test, you’ll undergo an interview with Eargo’s team of hearing care professionals. They’ll configure your hearing aids to best fit your needs based on the results of the test and interviews. Once you receive your hearing aids, you can either make changes in the mobile app or have a telehealth-style remote visit to have a professional make any necessary adjustments.
Did You Know? Tinnitus is the number-one disability among American veterans.5 Many veterans need tinnitus relief, and Eargo provides veterans with a 20 percent discount on select models.
There’s no need to worry about changing small, pesky batteries, as these hearing aids are rechargeable. They offer a battery life of up to 16 hours on a single charge. This battery life is decent, but there are some options with more power. For instance, Jabra Enhance’s Select 300 model lasted 30 hours during our testing.
Charging our Eargo 7 hearing aids
Eargo only has a handful of in-ear hearing aids to choose from. This may feel limiting when compared to ReSound’s impressive product line, which features both ITC and BTE styles for all levels of hearing loss. Still, if discretion is a top priority for you, Eargo’s offerings are more subtle than similarly priced hearing aids from Jabra Enhance.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Eargo
- Sound Adjust feature with soundscape optimization
- Online purchase with no prescription required
- iOS and Android mobile apps
- Lifetime remote support from a team of 30+ hearing professionals
- One-time loss/damage coverage per unit
Cons About Eargo
- Smartphone required
- Fit not for everyone due to ear canal anatomy
- Shorter battery life than comparable BTE options
- In-ear options can sometimes enhance tinnitus symptoms
Our Hands-on Experience:Tinnitus Features
While Eargo doesn’t have any features specifically for tinnitus, many users experience relief from tinnitus symptoms. Eargo’s hearing aids are very customizable, so you can adjust the settings to best help your tinnitus. The intuitive Sound Adjust+ feature automatically optimizes sound based on the hearing environment.
Additionally, our tech team was able to make immediate adjustments via the mobile app with ease. One thing we struggled with was the volume requirements. We used an iPhone, and to sync the Eargo 7 with the mobile app, the volume on our phone had to be at 60 percent or higher. If you want to turn the volume down on your phone so that it doesn’t disturb others, you risk disconnecting the hearing aids from the app until you’re able to turn the volume back up again. This may not be a good fit for older adults who frequently turn down the volume on their phones.
You can easily adjust your hearing aid settings in the Eargo mobile app.
That said, Dr. Reisman recommends the Eargo 7 for seniors with mild to moderate hearing loss who want truly discreet hearing assistance. Our tech team was also impressed with the level of remote support, especially considering that professional help is available (for life) at no extra charge. For comparison, Jabra Enhance only offers three years of remote support for a one-time fee of $200. As an added bonus, the device’s built-in Clarity Mode makes it easier to minimize unwanted noise in loud environments.
» Our Full Review: Eargo Hearing Aid Review
The Runners-Up
MDHearing, one of our favorite OTC brands, is a runner-up on our list of the best hearing aids for tinnitus.
Below is a quick look at runners-up that didn’t quite make the cut but still offer quality tinnitus hearing aids for many users:
- MDHearing: MDHearing makes it easy to care for your hearing needs and address tinnitus from the comfort of your home. MDHearing’s BTE and in-the-ear hearing aids offer noise suppression features. Check out our MDHearing review to learn more.
- Lexie: With Lexie, you can simply download the Lexie app to your smartphone and take the hearing test, which measures your response to low-pitched, midrange, and high-pitched sounds. Then, you’ll have a better idea of which Lexie hearing aid model is best for treating your tinnitus.
- Otofonix: By cutting out the middleman, Otofonix keeps its OTC hearing aid costs in check. For more details on features and pricing, head to our Otofonix hearing aid review.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming sound. Tinnitus is a symptom resulting from various underlying conditions rather than a disease itself.
Did You Know? Sound waves are converted into electrical signals by cells in the inner ear, but some conditions can make the cells send abnormal signals to the brain — resulting in tinnitus symptoms.2
Symptoms
The main symptom of tinnitus is hearing sounds that aren’t present in the environment. These sounds can vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal and can affect one or both ears. The severity and type of sound can fluctuate and may be constant or intermittent. Common sounds include:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Roaring
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Humming
Causes
Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss or damage to the inner ear from exposure to loud noise.
- Ear infections or blockages: Earwax, dirt, or foreign objects in the ear can cause tinnitus.
- Head or neck injuries: These can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves, or brain function linked to hearing.
- Medications: Some medications can cause or worsen tinnitus (e.g., certain antibiotics, diuretics, or chemotherapy drugs).
- Other health conditions: Conditions such as Meniere’s disease, TMJ disorders, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
Management Options
While there is no cure for tinnitus, various strategies can help manage its symptoms.
Sound Therapy
- Masking devices: These produce white noise or other sounds to mask the tinnitus.
- Hearing aids: For those with hearing loss, these can amplify external sounds, reducing the contrast with the tinnitus noise.
- Bimodal stimulation devices: Devices like Lenire and the Neosensory device stimulate two sensory systems to target the brain and provide tinnitus relief.
Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change the emotional reaction to tinnitus and improve coping strategies.
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Combines sound therapy and counseling to habituate the person to tinnitus.
Medications
There are no specific medications for tinnitus, but some drugs can help reduce symptoms or the distress they cause. These might include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Stress management: Reducing stress through techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help alleviate tinnitus.
- Avoiding loud noises: Protecting ears from further damage by using ear protection in noisy environments.
- Healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep can improve overall well-being and reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Pro Tip: Need help developing a healthier lifestyle? Check out our guide to exercise for seniors!
Alternative Therapies
Some people find relief through acupuncture, chiropractic care, or supplements, though these approaches may not have strong scientific backing.
Management of Underlying Conditions
Treating any underlying conditions like high blood pressure, ear infections, or TMJ disorders can help reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Tinnitus Treatment and Therapy Options
In the past, the general understanding of tinnitus was that it was a side effect of hearing loss, specifically cochlear (inner ear) damage. Devices called “maskers” were used to cover up the tinnitus, and people were frequently told to “get used to it.” The good news is that tinnitus treatment has come a long way! Cutting-edge strategies, combined with hearing aids, help those suffering from tinnitus. Based on data from the American Tinnitus Association, we’ve compiled a range of treatments to explore.6
| Tinnitus treatment | Method |
|---|---|
| Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | Involves therapeutic techniques to change thinking and behavioral patterns via goal-oriented strategies |
| Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | Instead of attempting to ignore tinnitus symptoms, patients are taught to accept, embrace, and control their episodes |
| Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) | Emphasizes the need for patients to fully experience and tolerate the emotions, perceptions, and thoughts linked to their tinnitus symptoms |
| Tinnitus activities treatment (TAT) | Learning-based method focuses on four areas that impact tinnitus: thoughts and emotions, hearing and communication, sleep, and concentration |
| Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) | Combines traditional CBT and sound therapy devices like hearing aids or external sound generators |
| Progressive tinnitus management (PTM) | Treatment is based on the level of tinnitus care needed by the patient; care may include education, behavioral therapy, and sound therapy |
Veterans Affairs Tinnitus Treatment
Veterans are at a higher risk for tinnitus than the general population because of their exposure to loud noises. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tinnitus is the number-one disability among veterans.5 All veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for medical services that include diagnostic audiology. Many veterans can also receive hearing aids from brands like Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, and Starkey through their VA audiology clinic. For veterans who prefer to purchase hearing aids online, Eargo provides a 20 percent discount on select models.
Did You Know? Tinnitus can affect individuals with normal hearing. This can be due to many causes, including medications, acoustic trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury.
Created by the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, the VA’s Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) program is commonly used to treat tinnitus in veterans.7 PTM isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. After a comprehensive hearing evaluation, a customized tinnitus management plan is created. Components include sound therapy, education, and addressing reactions to tinnitus. The level of care is based on the patient’s needs.
Free and Discounted Hearing Aids for Those With Tinnitus
Living without hearing aids, especially if you’re experiencing tinnitus, can negatively impact your quality of life. In spite of this, our hearing aid study found that fewer than 1 in 3 adults over 60 with hearing loss actually use hearing aids. A major factor was cost. Fortunately, you can find quality hearing aids at affordable prices by checking out our best cheap hearing aids list.
Additionally, be sure to watch the video below to discover if you’re eligible for free or discounted hearing aids.
Are Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Covered by Insurance?
In general, health insurance does not cover the cost of hearing aids — whether or not you have tinnitus. Medicare does not cover hearing loss or tinnitus treatments, and Medicaid hearing coverage varies from state to state. Some Medicare Advantage plans and other private health insurance plans, however, offer hearing coverage, which can include annual hearing exams to test for tinnitus and, in some cases, partial coverage for tinnitus hearing aids.
Additional Hearing Aid Resources
Want to compare all your options? We’ve tested and reviewed hearing aids for several other categories that could help you find the right fit.
FAQs
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Do tinnitus ear drops work?
No, there are currently no medical ear drops to treat tinnitus.
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What makes tinnitus worse?
Many of the underlying causes of tinnitus can also worsen the condition. Some common examples include head or neck injuries, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications.
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Is there a simple trick to stop tinnitus?
Some patients develop strategies to minimize tinnitus symptoms, particularly with the help of professional therapy or training, but there’s no one-size-fits-all trick to stop the buzzing or ringing sound. As a result, masking the sound is often the most effective solution.
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Is tinnitus considered a hearing disability?
Tinnitus is generally not considered a hearing disability on its own, particularly for non-veterans seeking disability benefits. Moderate to severe hearing loss combined with tinnitus symptoms, however, may qualify as a disability if the conditions make it difficult to work or complete everyday tasks.
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Tinnitus.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears and what to do about it.
Audiology Online. (2016). Notch Therapy: A New Approach to Tinnitus Treatment.
National Institute on Deafness. (2023). Tinnitus.
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021). VA research on Hearing Loss.
ATA. (2022). Behavioral Therapies.
VA. (2022). Progressive Tinnitus Management.