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People with tinnitus may also have hearing loss. Several manufacturers sell hearing aids with features to help relieve tinnitus symptoms.
- Best for tonal tinnitus: Signia Styletto X | Skip to review
- Best for an app: ReSound Relief | Skip to review
- Best for multiple hearing aid styles: Starkey Livio Edge AI | Skip to review
- Best for downloadable soundscapes: Oticon More Hearing Aid | Skip to review
- Best for an invisible hearing aid: Phonak Lyric | Skip to review
- Best battery-operated OTC device: Lexie B1 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids | Skip to review
- Best rechargeable OTC device: Go Prime OTC Hearing Aids | Skip to review
Tinnitus can be an early sign of hearing loss. Some people may choose to use hearing aids to help with hearing loss and tinnitus.
In 2021 a group of researchers analyzed 28 studies that investigated the effectiveness of hearing aids in helping tinnitus. Although the researchers found the quality of evidence across the studies varied, 68% of these studies showed a marked improvement in tinnitus when people wore hearing aids.
Some people with tinnitus who do not have hearing loss may find sound maskers beneficial. These devices sit in the ear and emit white noise.
In August 2022, the
If people have more severe forms of hearing loss, or are under the age of 18, the FDA recommends that they consult a hearing health professional to determine whether a prescription hearing aid may be a better fit.
The FDA’s ruling means that people can by-pass a medical examination, prescription or fitting adjustment by an audiologist, and can access less expensive hearing aids.
MNT chooses hearing aids for tinnitus that fit the following criteria where possible:
- FDA approval: MNT chooses hearing aids that have received FDA approval.
- Hearing aid styles: MNT chooses hearing aids in a range of styles, such as in-the-ear, in-the-canal, and behind-the-ear.
- Features: MNT chooses hearing aids with a range of features, such as rechargeable batteries, white noise, and smartphone app connectivity.
- Availability: MNT chooses hearing aids available through hearing specialists and over-the-counter to make these products accessible to most people.
- Tinnitus features: MNT chooses hearing aids that may help relieve tinnitus, with features such as white noise and customizable soundscapes.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Best for tonal tinnitus: Signia Styletto X
- Price: no information available
- Features: offers three types of relief: static noise, ocean wave sounds, and notch therapy
Many of Signia’s hearing aids feature built-in tinnitus relief, which the company calls notch therapy. This function delivers three different types of relief: static noise, ocean wave sounds, and notch therapy.
The static noise and ocean wave sounds may help cover up the tinnitus noises by providing a distraction to reduce its impact.
Notch therapy may help reduce tonal tinnitus, which Signia claims may cause the symptom to disappear completely. The company says a person should contact their hearing healthcare professional to find out more and set up this function.
Signia does not provide its products directly to consumers. Individuals must contact their hearing healthcare professional to try or buy this product.
Additional features of the Signia Styletto include:
- rechargeable charging case, which protects units when not in use
- slim behind-the-ear design
- different color options
- connectivity with the Signia app
Pros
- these hearing aids are compatible with the Signia App, which people can use to format settings
- veterans may qualify for free devices
- three types of relief provide users more choice
Cons
- only available through hearing healthcare professionals
- more expensive than some options
- the smartphone app may not be helpful for those not comfortable with using technology
Best for an app: ReSound Relief
- Price: free
- Features: offers meditation and sound therapy, which stream directly into a person’s hearing aids.
ReSound offers an app called Relief, which provides tinnitus relief.
The app offers a mix of sound therapy, relaxation exercises, meditation, and guidance, while the audio streams into a person’s hearing aid.
Resound Relief is compatible with six of ReSound’s devices. It is free to download and available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The company states that hearing aid users can customize their soundscape by choosing between their library of sounds and balancing the sound between both ears. This may mask the tinnitus and, over time, help people manage the symptom.
While ReSound provides their app free of charge, they only provide their hearing aid products through hearing healthcare professionals. The cost of a ReSound device will vary by provider and location.
Pros
- the app is free and compatible with six of ReSound’s devices
- people can use this app without a hearing aid
- some reviews state it may make falling asleep easier
Cons
- the app is not compatible with all of ReSound’s devices
- non-customized sound therapy may not be as helpful for tinnitus as customized sound
Best for multiple hearing aid styles: Starkey Livio Edge AI
- Price: no information available
- Features: provides a customizable soundscape that may relieve the effects of tinnitus
All of Starkey’s hearing aid devices feature tinnitus technology.
The Starkey Livio Edge AI works by delivering a customizable soundscape that users or hearing healthcare professionals can fine-tune, which may soothe and relieve the effects of tinnitus.
As well as this built-in technology, Starkey also offers a tinnitus relief app called Relax, another customizable soundscape with the addition of images that can help soothe tinnitus. A person does not need hearing aids to use this app.
Starkey only sells their products through hearing healthcare professionals, and as such, the exact cost will depend on the healthcare professional providing the service and their location.
Other features of the Starkey Livio Edge AI include:
- Bluetooth compatibility
- brain and body tracking
- rechargeable battery
- customizable programs and places
- fall detection and alerts
- translation and transcription feature
- behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal styles
Pros
- available in behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal styles
- customized sound therapy may be more effective for managing tinnitus
- has fall detection and language translation capabilities
Cons
- only available through hearing healthcare professionals
- some online reviews say the app is confusing to use
Best for downloading soundscapes: Oticon More Hearing Aid
- Prices: no information available
- Features: comes with built-in tinnitus support sounds, such as white noise.
The More Hearing Aid from Oticon offers built-in tinnitus support. It allows a person to customize and choose from various sounds, such as the ocean or white noise.
The Oticon More is only available to individuals through authorized Oticon professionals, so cost varies by provider and location.
Individuals can choose which sounds they hear through Oticon’s ON app, available for iPhone and Android. People can also stream their own tinnitus relief audio options, such as music, audiobooks, podcasts, and relaxation guides.
Other features of the Oticon More Hearing Aid include:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- choice of rechargeable or replaceable battery
- background sound enhancement
- availability in eight colors
Pros
- lets users download their own tinnitus relief sounds through the Oticon ON app
- has options for customizing tinnitus support sounds
- offer multiple charging options
Cons
- only available through hearing healthcare professionals
- may not be compatible with all iOS and Android devices
Best for an invisible hearing aid: Phonak Lyric
- Price: $3,000–$6,000 per year
- Features: this hearing aid can reportedly reduce tinnitus because people can wear it for months before needing to take it out and turn it off
The Phonak Lyric sits inside the ear canal next to the eardrum. A healthcare professional will fit the hearing aid, and once it is in the ear, the person will not need to take it out or turn it off for months at a time.
The Lyric uses the anatomy of the ear to amplify sound. The company states that this hearing aid may reduce tinnitus sounds faster than some of its competitors. It may also improve sleep quality as a person does not need to take the device out or turn it off before sleeping.
The Phonak Lyric is only available by subscription, which means a person must pay for yearly access to the hearing device. A subscription covers the cost of serving, maintaining, and replacing the hearing aid.
Pros
- the hearing aid is invisible once a healthcare professional places it inside a person’s ear canal
- this hearing aid does not require batteries or charging
- after insertion, the hearing aiddoes not need adjusting
Cons
- only available via subscription
- expensive
Best battery-operated OTC device: Lexie B1 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids
- Price: $849.99
- Features: These hearing aids have customizable sound profiles which may help boost certain sounds and minimize tinnitus ringing.
The Lexie B1 is a battery-operated receiver-in-canal hearing aid that is available over the counter.
CVS states that these devices feature Bose technology and a high-audio experience, with people being able to customize sound profiles for several environments, including restaurants and watching TV.
The company offers ongoing support from Lexie Experts. People can download the Lexi app and further customize their hearing experience.
CVS offers a 12-month warranty on this product. Shipping costs $35 or is free with a CVS Care Pass.
Pros
- CVS offers ongoing support from Lexie Experts, and people can use the free app to change audio settings
- less expensive than many traditional hearing aids
- available without a prescription
Cons
- devices are not rechargeable, so people will have to buy replacement batteries
- does not have Bluetooth streaming capacity
- the battery life may be shorter than other brands
Best for a rechargeable OTC device: Go Prime OTC Hearing Aids
- Price: around $300
- Features: options include a memory recall function, noise reduction, and feedback cancellation
This hearing aid is rechargeable, wireless, small, and discreet. Walmart states that it is easy to adjust the volume on this device.
This model may be most suitable for people who are often in larger environments where better sound differentiation is necessary. It features feedback cancellation, noise reduction, and a memory recall function that automatically loads a user’s last sound settings.
This product has a 12-month parts warranty.
Pros
- available without a prescription
- more affordable than other options
- has rechargeable batteries
Cons
- some reviewers found it difficult to adjust the volume
- online reviews report unhelpful customer support
- some people report poor fit
The following table provides a comparison between the hearing devices in this article.
| Price | Tinnitus features | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signia Styletto X | no information available | notch therapy | compatible with Signia App | only available through a healthcare professional |
| ReSound Relief | Free | sound therapy | free app | app is not compatible with all ReSound hearing aids |
| Starkey Livio Edge AI | no information available | customizable soundscapes | several hearing aid styles | only available through a healthcare professional |
| Oticon More Hearing Aid | no information available | built-in support such as white noise | downloadable soundscapes | only available through a healthcare professional |
| Phonak Lyric | $3,000–$6,000 | constant wear | invisible device | subscription-only model |
| Lexie B1 | $849.99 | customizable sound profiles | OTC compatible app | battery-operated |
| Go Prime | around $300 | noise reduction and memory recall | OTC affordable price | may be difficult to adjust the volume |
While each device has pros and cons, people should always contact a healthcare professional for advice and recommendations on which device best suits their needs.
Many hearing aid brands offer some form of tinnitus relief. These may come in the form of an app that connects to the devices or a program within the hearing aid itself. Look for devices that contain a range of tinnitus features, such as white noise.
An important factor to consider when looking for hearing aids for tinnitus is whether or not the device has an option for customizable sound. Research shows that customized sound is more effective for sound therapy than non-customized sound therapy.
Individuals may wish to consider the following before purchasing a hearing aid:
- Battery: Some models are rechargeable, while others use disposable batteries.
- Cost: The cost of hearing aids will affect a person’s decision on whether to buy them. Devices with more features will often be more expensive. Tinnitus markers, which generate sounds without hearing aids, can also be costly.
- Technology: Make sure to select a hearing aid for tinnitus that suits the level of comfort the user has with technology. Older adults may not be adept enough with some technology to actually use the device.
- Smartphone compatibility: Some brands offer tinnitus relief via an app, so a person may wish to check that their smartphone is compatible with these devices.
- Style: For some, a discreet style may be an important factor. A person may also need to check the severity of their hearing loss, as some devices that sit in the ear canal may not be effective for them.
The
- Counseling: Therapy, such as tinnitus retraining, can help people learn how to live with the symptom. Counseling can help people understand what causes tinnitus and help them change how they react to it.
- Wearable sound generators: These devices fit in the ear and make soft sounds, tones, or music to help mask tinnitus.
- Tabletop sound generators: These devices sit by the bed and play sounds, such as waves, waterfalls, or rain, to help people with tinnitus fall asleep. Additionally, CDs, phone apps, and fans may also help mask sounds from tinnitus.
- Acoustic neural stimulation: This technique uses a palm-sized device and headphones to deliver a broadband acoustic signal alongside music. They aim to help people feel less sensitive to tinnitus.
- Cochlear implants: These hearing devices bypass the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, which may help mask tinnitus.
- Antidepressants and other medications: Certain prescription medications can improve mood and help people with tinnitus fall asleep. A
2021 research review found that tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, acamprosate and gabapentin, can improve the severity of tinnitus and improve quality of life.
Additionally, people may find meditation beneficial. Another
The NIDCD recommends that people may prevent tinnitus from becoming worse by:
- keeping volume on devices low
- moving away from sound sources, such as loudspeakers
- wearing hearing protection, such as earplugs, where possible
A person should consult a doctor or audiologist if their tinnitus:
- becomes regular or constant
- gets worse
- affects sleep or concentration
- affects mental health
- beats in time with their pulse
- presents as sounds in the ear that other people can hear
When to seek immediate medical attention
A person should seek immediate medical attention if they develop tinnitus after a head injury or if it occurs with sudden hearing loss, vertigo, and facial muscle weakness.
Below we answer some common questions about hearing aids for tinnitus.
Is there a hearing aid that helps with tinnitus?
Studies have shown that hearing aids may help with tinnitus by providing background noise that masks the ringing or other sounds a person may hear due to tinnitus.
For some people who are experiencing hearing loss,
How do you deal with severe tinnitus?
Part of the approach to dealing with tinnitus, including severe tinnitus, emphasizes helping people learn how to live with the
Sound therapy is also an important part of dealing with tinnitus. Sound therapy can mask the sounds of tinnitus, making it less disturbing and disruptive. Some hearing aids can help deliver this support. Researchers are also exploring the use of sound therapy to retrain the brain to interfere with tinnitus signals.
What is the best proven treatment for tinnitus?
It is possible for people to permanently get rid of tinnitus if it is due to an underlying cause such as earwax or an ear infection.
However, if a healthcare professional cannot find a cause, people will be offered various treatments which may help them manage tinnitus on a daily basis. These can include:
- sound therapy
- counseling
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
- self-help techniques
What devices cancel out tinnitus?
Hearing aids can help
Other devices that can cancel out tinnitus include apps for smart devices, as well as table-top sound generators, wearable sound generators that fit in the ear, and devices that combine sound generation with amplification.
People with tinnitus may also experience hearing loss. Hearing aids can provide relief for tinnitus by amplifying background noises and masking tinnitus sounds.
Many hearing care brands have some form of tinnitus relief technology in their hearing devices. Some brands have the technology built-in to the hearing aids, others have an app, and some companies offer both.