)
Managing Tinnitus: Effective Strategies & Support
Did you know that tinnitus affects approximately 13% of adults in the UK? This common but uncomfortable condition can impact your daily life. Not everyone experiences hearing loss with tinnitus but you may still find it helpful to seek support to manage other symptoms. So, what’s the best way to minimise the impact of tinnitus?
Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do hearing aids help tinnitus?” The answer is a resounding yes! Hearing aids can play a crucial role in minimising the awareness of tinnitus symptoms. These devices use electric signals and sound therapy to mask the ringing or buzzing sounds associated with tinnitus.
How do hearing aids help tinnitus?
Hearing aids employ two primary mechanisms to alleviate tinnitus symptoms: electric signals and sound therapy.
Electric signals
Hearing aids are equipped with advanced technology that emits low-level, soothing electric signals. These signals stimulate the auditory system, effectively reducing the prominence of tinnitus sounds. By providing an external source of electrical stimulation, hearing aids help your brain rewire itself and become less attentive to the persistent tinnitus noises.
Sound therapy
Sound therapy is a technique used in conjunction with hearing aids to manage tinnitus effectively. It involves playing soft, calming sounds, such as gentle ocean waves, raindrops, or instrumental music, through the hearing aids. This background noise helps to mask the tinnitus sounds and provides a more pleasant auditory experience.
By introducing external sounds, sound therapy creates a more balanced auditory environment, making the tinnitus less noticeable. Over time, this can lead to habituation, where your brain becomes accustomed to the presence of tinnitus and gradually tunes it out.
Other treatments for managing tinnitus
We’ve discussed how hearing aids help tinnitus, and whilst hearing aids are highly effective in providing relief, there are also alternative treatments available for managing tinnitus.
Retraining therapy
Retraining therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that aims to retrain your brain’s response to tinnitus. This therapy involves using specialised devices that emit low-level noise or music, similar to the concept of sound therapy. The goal is to help your brain gradually become desensitised to the tinnitus sounds, reducing their impact on your daily life.
Retraining therapy typically requires consistency and patience. It may take several months to see significant improvements. However, many individuals have reported successful outcomes, with reduced distress and improved quality of life.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapeutic approach that focuses on changing your perception and emotional response to tinnitus. This therapy aims to address the negative thoughts, anxiety, and stress associated with tinnitus, helping you develop coping mechanisms and a more positive outlook.
Through CBT, you can learn strategies to challenge negative beliefs about tinnitus, manage anxiety, and redirect your attention away from the bothersome sounds. CBT can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with the emotional impact of tinnitus, providing them with tools to regain control over their lives.
Live well with tinnitus at Amplify Hearing
At Amplify Hearing, we understand how much hearing loss and tinnitus can impact your everyday life and personal relationships, which is where we can help. We work with your local independent opticians to offer you free hearing tests alongside quality hearing healthcare.
We recognise that tinnitus can be a distressing condition, but it doesn’t have to dominate your life. With various strategies and support available, managing tinnitus effectively is possible. Getting the right hearing aids is the first step in reducing the awareness of tinnitus, using electric signals and sound therapy to mask the symptoms.
If you want to find out more about how hearing aids help your tinnitus, or you’re looking for some advice, get in touch with us to request your free hearing test today.