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Tinnitus and Hearing Aids

Yodathedog

Yodathedog

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I know there are other threads on here about tinnitus, but I don’t know if any have addressed the of using hearing aids to help the symptoms.

I developed tinnitus about 5 years ago, first in one ear, then shortly after in the other. A low humming in one ear and a loud high pitched squeal in the other, sometimes loud enough to cause physical pain. Last year I was diagnosed with severe hearing loss and it was recommended that I get hearing aids. After an adjustment period I discovered that as long as the aids were in my ears the tinnitus was gone, no I mean completely. It hasn’t cured it, but it is much easier to live with now.

Now that hearing aids have been deregulated and available “over the counter” and eventually much less expensive, I would recommend anyone with tinnitus look into getting aids. Your brain will thank you for it.
 
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My problem is the tinnitus makes everything seem louder and sharper and more painful than it really is.
I know whenever I put ear plugs in the ringing is much worse because all outside sound is blocked.
So, I don't understand how the hearing aid could counter act tinnitus. Does the hearing aid make everything else so much louder that you don't notice the tinnitus ? Or do you have a noise-cancelling version ?

A little relief would be much appreciated.
 
Please report further. I have pretty bad tinnitius. It doesn't bother me terribly. I've had it since I was pretty young, and though it is worse now, I am not distressed by it. But if hearing aids would make it go away...
 
I tried a pair of Cosco, Phonak hearing aids a while back. They did nothing for my tinnitus, and often made it worse as they amplified the sounds that normally aggravate it. However, it could have been that particular pair. Even though I had complained about hearing distortion, they never offered to replace them, so they were returned.
 
I did not develop tinnitus until after age 45, I’m 74 now (75 in a couple of weeks). Until about eight or nine years ago, it never really bothered me, sort of a low level 60 or 70 Hz. hum. It has gotten progressively louder and higher in pitch. Sort of like crickets now. With aids in, it is reduced to where I mostly don’t notice it.
As I mentioned, my aids are Oticon, can’t recall the model right now. Behind the ear, 5 channel, 3 preset programs with Bluetooth remote for program & volume change. Not cheap, about 5K several years ago.
 
YMMV with different aids and different levels of tinnitus, but I can say that when my aids, which are adjustable and programmable, are in my ears I don’t have tinnitus discomfort.

My suggestion would be that if you’re dissatisfied with your aids or your care by professionals, contact management. And don’t accept a less than excellent outcome.
 
I was lucky to find a Phd audiologist that specialized in tinnitus and geriatric hearing issues. I was the perfect patient! After lengthy testing I ended up with Widex hearing aids that are programmable, you can program unique settings for different environments. They are helpful, especially in noisy environments that make the tinnitus worse. So they’re helpful but don’t cancel the tinnitus. Hearing aids need to be worn regularly too train your ears and mind. I’m guilty of not doing that :rolleyes:
 
Now that I am in love and deeply invested in my stereo, I am also afraid that a hearing aid might change my system satisfaction for the worst. Any thoughts or experiences on that?
 
cason said:
At this point, I find I enjoy music more - both recorded and live - when I’m wearing my aids.
Click to expand...

That would be my expectation.
I'm just starting to investigate what I can get thru my insurance now.
I think this will be pretty involved decision.
 
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