Tinnitus, commonly described as ringing in the ears, affects millions of people. People with tinnitus may hear ringing, buzzing, or the sound of water rushing in their ears without an identifiable external source. Other phantom sounds reported by patients include:
- Roaring
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Humming
Tinnitus is a common condition that can interfere with sleep and contribute to other concerns. Although there is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, treatments are available to help manage its symptoms. To determine which hearing aids may be best for tinnitus, it is important to have a hearing evaluation to assess your hearing and identify any underlying causes. Some conditions and factors associated with hearing loss or tinnitus include:
- Earwax buildup
- A recent ear infection
- Certain medications: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may cause or worsen tinnitus as a side effect. These can include certain antibiotics, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, and antidepressants.
- Aging
- Meniere’s disease
- Otosclerosis, a condition that causes abnormal stiffening of the small bones in the middle ear
- Medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, circulatory problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, anemia, allergies, or an underactive thyroid gland
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome or other jaw problems
- Head and neck injuries
- Excessive exposure to loud noise
Tinnitus can contribute to significant distress, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and stress. To explore appropriate tinnitus treatment options, we recommend scheduling a consultation with the audiology experts at El Dorado Hearing.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Hearing aids can improve hearing and may help reduce the impact of tinnitus, particularly when hearing loss is also present. When hearing loss occurs, listening and interpreting sounds can require additional mental effort. Hearing aids amplify relevant sounds, helping improve access to speech and environmental sounds and potentially reducing listening effort.
If you are not hearing as well as you should, you may find it more difficult to interpret conversations and understand what is happening around you. Hearing loss can make everyday communication more challenging.
After a proper diagnosis, hearing aids can make sounds such as speech and background noises easier to hear. They may also help reduce the perceived prominence of tinnitus by making external sounds more audible. Some devices include tinnitus sound therapy features that provide additional sounds to help manage the ringing or buzzing sensation.
Hearing Aids Can Help Reduce Tinnitus-Related Stress
Constantly worrying about whether you can hear properly or why you keep hearing ringing can contribute to stress. Communication may also become more difficult when you struggle to follow conversations in social settings.
Hearing aids may help reduce the impact of tinnitus, and some models include sound-masking features that provide options such as white noise or other soothing sounds. These sounds can help make tinnitus less noticeable by giving your brain additional sounds to focus on. The effectiveness of sound therapy varies from person to person.
Hearing Aids Can Help the Brain Adapt to Sound
If you are experiencing tinnitus or other symptoms of hearing loss, contact El Dorado Hearing. Our experts will work with you to determine suitable treatment options for your individual needs. Depending on your assessment, our audiology team may recommend a combination of treatments, including sound therapy, sound generators, counseling, or other tinnitus management strategies.
With consistent use, hearing aids can help you hear sounds that may previously have been difficult to detect. Your brain may need time and practice to adapt to amplified sounds and learn to focus on relevant sounds while filtering out distractions. Our tinnitus management team focuses on helping patients develop strategies to manage tinnitus and improve their listening experience.
When Should I See an Audiologist or Hearing Specialist?
If you experience unexplained sounds in your ears that affect your quality of life, consider contacting an audiologist for an evaluation. Hearing loss can significantly affect your quality of life and that of your loved ones.
At El Dorado Hearing, we offer tinnitus management solutions. Our specialists can conduct a hearing evaluation and recommend a treatment plan based on your hearing health and symptoms. We understand that better hearing can support communication, social participation, and overall well-being.
Contact El Dorado Hearing today to schedule your consultation.