Tinnitus, often described as a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, can be a frustrating and persistent issue for many people. While hearing aids are commonly used to help manage hearing loss, they can also relieve tinnitus by masking the bothersome noise. However, some patients worry that hearing aids might actually worsen their tinnitus instead of improving it.
Louisiana ENT Specialists (LENTS) are extensively experienced in all things hearing aids. In this blog, we’ll explore whether hearing aids can exacerbate tinnitus and what can be done to ensure they provide the intended relief.
How Hearing Aids Work to Manage Tinnitus
Hearing aids amplify sounds around you, helping people with hearing loss hear more clearly. They offer an additional benefit for those with tinnitus by making the ringing or buzzing less noticeable. By increasing the volume of everyday sounds, hearing aids can shift focus away from tinnitus.
Modern hearing aids also have special features designed to relieve tinnitus, such as playing soothing sounds or white noise to help distract from the ringing.
However, hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They can be helpful for many, but others might need additional treatments to manage their symptoms fully. Think of hearing aids as one part of an overall tinnitus management plan, not a guaranteed fix.
Can Hearing Aids Worsen Tinnitus?
Although hearing aids usually help lessen tinnitus symptoms, some people have reported that their tinnitus worsens after using them. This can be alarming, so let’s look at a few possible reasons why this might happen.
- Over-Amplification: In some cases, hearing aids may amplify external sounds too much, leading to discomfort. If the volume is set too high, it might overwhelm your brain and make the tinnitus more noticeable. Luckily, an audiologist can easily adjust the settings to fix this problem.
- Improper Fitting: If your hearing aid doesn’t fit properly, it can cause discomfort or irritation, making you more aware of your tinnitus. When the device isn’t positioned right or the wrong size, it can create feedback or other noises that worsen the tinnitus.
- Adjustment Period: When someone starts using hearing aids, it can take a little time for their brain to get used to the louder sounds. During this adjustment phase, tinnitus might seem more noticeable. However, this is usually only temporary and should improve as the brain adapts to the new sounds.
If you notice that your tinnitus worsens after using hearing aids, it’s essential to seek help from a healthcare provider or audiologist. An audiologist can fine-tune your hearing aids, adjust amplification settings, and offer other tinnitus management strategies.
Find Relief from Tinnitus with LENTS
Hearing aids usually help reduce tinnitus, but if they aren’t fitted or adjusted correctly, they can sometimes cause discomfort or make symptoms worse. The key is working with an experienced audiologist who can customize your hearing aids to suit your needs. For most people, hearing aids are an effective way to manage tinnitus, but if your symptoms get worse, Louisiana ENT Specialists (LENTS) can help you find the right solution. Schedule a consultation today and explore personalized treatment options with a LENTS ENT specialist who can provide the relief you need.
