It disrupts your concentration. It ruins your sleep. And some days, it can make you feel hopeless and mentally exhausted. We’re talking about tinnitus—a common, frustrating condition that affects one in five older adults.¹

What many people don’t realize is how closely tinnitus and hearing loss are connected. In fact, 90% of tinnitus cases accompany an underlying loss of hearing.²

Given this proven link between tinnitus and hearing loss, you might be wondering: Can hearing aids help with tinnitus? Let’s take a closer look at what tinnitus is and how hearing aids work to provide relief.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. That perceived sound may be ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring. While you’ll often hear tinnitus described as a ringing in the ears or head, the actual sound and intensity vary from person to person.

There are two main types of tinnitus:

• Subjective tinnitus is the most common type and can only be heard by the person experiencing it.
• Objective tinnitus is rare and can sometimes be heard by a doctor using a stethoscope.

In older adults, tinnitus is often triggered by:

• Noise-induced hearing loss
• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
• Ear injuries and trauma
• Earwax buildup
• Certain medications known to affect the auditory system

Tinnitus is not a disease in itself; it’s usually a symptom of other underlying problems. No matter the cause, it should be addressed as soon as possible. That’s because tinnitus is more than just an annoyance. Left untreated, this condition can lead to problems communicating, anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline.³

The connection between tinnitus and hearing loss

Tinnitus and hearing loss frequently occur together. Why the strong link? One scientific theory involves how the brain responds when hearing declines. When auditory input decreases, the brain tries to compensate by amplifying nerve activity in its hearing centers to fill in missing sound frequencies. This results in the phantom sounds we know as tinnitus.

Another theory links tinnitus to abnormalities in how the hearing part of the brain (the auditory cortex) interacts with other neural circuits.

Do hearing aids help tinnitus?

Yes. For many people, especially those whose tinnitus is paired with hearing loss, hearing aids can help reduce symptoms.

“We often notice that when an individual with both hearing loss and tinnitus uses a hearing aid as amplification for the hearing loss, the tinnitus can subside,” Raj Dasgupta, MD, an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician, told Woman's World.

Hearing aids ease tinnitus in several ways, which we’ll explore in more detail below. While they aren’t a cure, these small but powerful devices can provide meaningful relief and improve quality of life for many older adults. One research analysis found that 68% of the studies reviewed supported the efficacy of hearing aids for tinnitus relief.⁴

How do hearing aids help with tinnitus?

Hearing aids can alleviate tinnitus symptoms in several ways:

• Sound amplification: Hearing aids work by supplementing the volume of external sounds—like conversations and ambient noise. This may reduce the brain’s need to compensate and in turn, ease tinnitus symptoms. Hearing aids can also help mask or drown out the incessant ringing or buzzing of tinnitus. Many people find their symptoms are less noticeable while wearing a hearing aid, especially in quiet settings where tinnitus tends to be the “loudest.”
• Brain recalibration: Over time, consistent sound input from hearing aids may help “retrain” the brain. By restoring normal auditory signals, hearing aids reduce the brain’s need to create its own sounds, which can gradually lower the perception of tinnitus.
• Built-in masking sounds: Many modern hearing aids have integrated “masking” features to soothe tinnitus directly. These may include:
  • White noise, pink noise, or brown noise
  • Ocean waves or rainfall sounds
  • Soft musical tones
  • Customizable masking programs
    
    Some devices allow you to adjust these features to find the most soothing and effective sound for you.
• Reduced stress: Struggling to hear can be stressful—and stress can worsen tinnitus. By making it easier to hear the people and world around you, hearing aids can help decrease frustration and listening fatigue. Lower stress levels can also lead to fewer tinnitus flare-ups.

Who should consider hearing aids for tinnitus?

If you have mild to moderate hearing loss along with persistent tinnitus, hearing aids may be a smart option.  

They are especially helpful for older adults who:

• Struggle to hear in quiet environments
• Avoid social settings due to hearing challenges
• Are looking for non-invasive ways to manage their tinnitus

Hearing aids may not be as helpful if:

• Your hearing is normal
• Your tinnitus is caused by structural or neurological issues

A hearing test with a licensed audiologist can help determine if you’re a good candidate for hearing aids.

Other tinnitus treatments to know

Hearing aids are often the first line of tinnitus treatment when hearing loss is present, but they’re just one part of a broader toolbox. Other approaches to treating tinnitus symptoms include:

• Sound therapy: Sound machines, fans, or mobile apps can be used to create background noise and mask the perceived sounds of tinnitus.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of counseling that can help you cope with the emotional effects of tinnitus.
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT is a combination of counseling and sound therapy to help your brain learn to ignore tinnitus.
• Medication reviews: It’s a good idea to keep a running list of all the medications you take—both prescription and over-the-counter. Share this list with your doctor to identify any medications that could be causing or worsening your tinnitus symptoms.
• Mindfulness or relaxation training: Stress is a known trigger for tinnitus. Meditation, breathing exercises, and other calming techniques may help your anxiety and in turn, your symptoms.

How to choose a hearing aid for tinnitus

There’s a vast array of hearing aids that help with tinnitus today, each with different features and price points. When looking for the best hearing aids to manage tinnitus, look for models that offer:

• Built-in tinnitus masking features like white noise or relaxing nature sounds
• Customizable sound programs that allow you to adjust settings to your specific needs
• Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream calming music or sound therapy apps from your phone
• Rechargeable batteries to ensure your hearing aids operate continuously without interruptions
• Telehealth support that allows for remote tuning and adjustments through your smartphone

Overwhelmed by all your options? Talk to a hearing care professional who can guide you to the best affordable hearing aids that help with tinnitus, based on your hearing profile. You can also check out our OTC hearing aid buyer’s guide for tips on purchasing over-the-counter devices.

Frequently asked questions

Do hearing aids cure tinnitus?
No. Hearing aids don’t cure tinnitus, but they can significantly reduce your symptoms—especially if you also have hearing loss.

How long does it take for hearing aids to help with tinnitus?
Some people notice improvement within a few days, while for others it may take weeks or even a few months of regular use.

Can hearing aids make tinnitus worse?
It’s unlikely. Most people find that hearing aids help their symptoms. If your tinnitus worsens while wearing hearing aids, it’s important to talk to your audiologist to adjust the settings.

What are the best hearing aids for tinnitus?
The best hearing aid for tinnitus is the one that matches your unique hearing needs and preferences. Fortunately, there are many affordable, high-quality hearing aids available over the counter today. Talk to a qualified professional for recommendations and advice.

Do all hearing aids include tinnitus masking features?
Not all models do. If your goal is to find hearing aids that help with tinnitus, ask specifically for options with masking features or streaming capabilities.

Sources

1. Berthe C. Oosterloo, et al. Prevalence of Tinnitus in an Aging Population and Its Relation to Age and Hearing Loss. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Sept. 29, 2020. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32988263/

2. Hearing Health Foundation. Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Statistics. Found on the internet at https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/hearing-loss-tinnitus-statistics

3. Dong Yang, et al. Tinnitus-associated cognitive and psychological impairments: a comprehensive review meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neuroscience. Feb. 7, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1275560/full

4. Laure Jacquemin, et al. Hearing More to Hear Less: A Scoping Review of Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Relief. Journal of Audiology. March 16, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.08.21253134v2.full