A specific kind of hearing loss often causes tinnitus, so relying on hearing aids is a big part of symptom management. Sometimes this ringing in the ears clears up on its own, but it’s a stable, long-term condition for nearly 10% of Americans. The key difference from hearing loss is that this ear-ringing sensation stems from perceiving sound with no external source, while hearing loss makes real external sounds harder for the brain to process. Although the two are distinct, they overlap significantly, so many of the same treatments help with both.
The best hearing aids for tinnitus relief are those that feel like smart technology more than clinical devices. Finding a product that’s as fun as it is functional makes it easier to adjust to ongoing symptom management. These first two hearing aid brands are built with that specifically in mind:
Top Tinnitus-Friendly Hearing Aid Brands
Today, digital hearing aids that are rechargeable have features that were not available in the past. Here are the top hearing aids to consider as you manage symptoms.
1. Phonak Tinnitus Balance Portfolio:
Phonak hearing aids help your brain learn to blend that internal ringing into the background. Phonak emphasizes relief over management with their three-pronged process. The hearing aids offer a noise generator, sound therapy options, and smartphone adaptations for convenience. Top sellers include Lyric, Bolero, and Audio.
Siemens/Signia Tinnitus: These hearing aids come with built-in sound therapy designed specifically for ear ringing. Included is a pre-programmed therapy signal that allows you to select your sound preference as well as four ocean wave options for sound therapy. These customizable options are featured in all of their products, with popular sellers including Carat, Motion, and Ace.
The next two brands build symptom relief into their design but work well for hearing loss too.
2. Oticon Tinnitus Sound Support
Oticon Tinnitus Sound Support. This brand offers a selection of hearing aids with built-in sound therapy technology for ear ringing. Many of the options are smartphone adjusted, so you can use the app to organize and schedule your sound therapy easily. These hearing aids offer additional sound therapy options, including ocean-themed noise and white noise for soothing effects.
- Recommended Reading: Can You Treat Tinnitus Without an Audiologist?
3. Starkey Hearing Technologies
This brand has three devices available for purchase, and each offers customizable options for ultimate symptom reduction. You can adjust the volume to your preferences, and rest assured knowing that the technology allows for all-day relief. Depending on your specific symptoms, relief can come from the new Muse, the SoundLens, or the Halo 2, all powered by Multiflex Tinnitus Technology.
If you are open to the possibility of your condition clearing up on its own, consider options that provide brain training technologies. Hearing aids with meditative features such as white noise and ocean sounds are additional aspects that may make sound therapy more enjoyable and more applicable to you. Consider your personal preferences and select the hearing aid that is right for you.