Is the constantly ringing noise of tinnitus making your life miserable? It is estimated that 15 % of the world’s population is affected by this condition and it is commonly accompanied by hearing loss. There is scientific evidence suggesting that wearing a hearing aid for tinnitus is beneficial and effective when the individual has both hearing loss and tinnitus.
Relief from Stress
No matter what the setting may be – social or professional – inability to follow conversation due to hearing loss and/or tinnitus can be a source of extreme distress. Tinnitus is exacerbated by increased anxiety and stress levels in the body. By improving the overall listening ability, hearing aids play an important role in reducing stress and anxiety levels. With diminishing anxiety levels, the prominence of tinnitus sounds also decreases. There is robust evident that shows patients experiencing complete partial or complete alleviation of tinnitus symptoms when fitted with a suitable hearing aid.
Covering Tinnitus Sound
Hearing aids for tinnitus are effective because they provide external sound amplification, even of background sounds, and increase the amount of auditory information available to the brain. As the brain focuses on external ambient sound, the loudness and prominence of perceived tinnitus sound gets masked and this helps in reducing its impact. By wearing a hearing aid, a person suffering from tinnitus and hearing loss can concentrate on processing external sounds which makes tinnitus seem less audible in comparison.
Best Suited Styles
Hearing aids for tinnitus are most effective when they have modern, open fit designs. Unlike traditional ear mould designs, these new models have a very fine tube to deliver sound. They allow quick and easy sound amplification without causing any ‘head in a barrel’ sensation within the blocked ear canal as traditional designs do. Innovative manufacturers are offering hearing aids that produce supplemental low level ambient sounds played directly into the ear – this help in masking tinnitus perception.
The first sensible thing to do is get your hearing health checked by a qualified professional. Many hearing clinics offer free initial hearing assessments for adults. In case you have hearing loss and tinnitus, an audiologist may recommend a hearing aid along with patient counseling and tinnitus education program as a comprehensive treatment plan. Don’t suffer in silence – enjoy day long relief with a hearing aid for tinnitus!
