Tinnitus/headphones question...

[Cohagen]

I have Tinnitus, for the last 15 years or so in varying degrees of severity, but I find that wearing heaphones (either over the ear or in the ear headphones) make my T worse, so stopped wearing them a long while ago. Then I heard about bone conducting headphones. Does anyone know if bone conducting headphones make T worse? I have tried searching online, but can't find any clear information about this.

I would really appreciate anyone's insights on this or medical advice on the subject.

Thanks!

[perlcoder]

This is not an answer, but it is an expression of interest in your question. I have considered buying a pair but good ones are expensive and I have seen a few mixed reviews (inevitably this being the highly subjective curse that is Tinnitus), on YouTube. As it happens (no blame - just that subjectivity of Tinnitus) SleepPhones did not work for me, and I am nervous of another wasted purchase.

[bournville]

my understanding is that blocking the ear canal with headphones or earbuds and delivering sound in this pressurised environment is more demanding on the hearing system. I was told by an audiologist to use speakers over headphones because of this. Makes sense if you think about it - our hearing has evolved to be exposed to sound at some distance not plumbed directly into our ear canal. Don’t know if this is scientifically correct but it’s how it was explained to me. I don’t use headphones or earbuds for the same reason as you - it makes my T go up. Perhaps try the bone conduction headsets it’s probably the only way to see if it works for you. If in doubt just stick with speakers like me.

[Kellythecat-74 in reply to bournville]

I use a walkman and one in-ear phone . just for the T ear . the sound has to be just below the T. Also find a talking program better than music.

[SimToTheWorld]

I bought it, as I wanted to be able to hear things around me. I liked it, but it was pressuring on my head, and after a while it would make my head hurt. My husband on the other hand loves them, he has more severe tinnitus than me and a smaller head.

They are not good on trains or aeroplanes though.

It didn't make my T worst. But then neither does over the ears ones for me.

[Non-Leaguer]

Hello. I have only had Pulsatile Tinnitus for 2 years. I can recommend 'Shokz headphones which i got from Amazon. These are headphones that play from your 'phone through your cheekbones. Wear them over the back of your head so do not cover your ears. This lets you chat easily with others and hear T.V. plus everything when you are outside(traffic noise and country sounds etc.) I am not associated with 'Shokz or Amazon but these headphones have been of great help to me. Keep posting and best wishes.

[Hollymonty]

I use earbuds they are helping me a lot .Television makes my t worse. Kindle fire × earbuds beter.

[Summer60]

I tried them, but my Tinnitus still got louder just like with headphones, no doubt we are all different so best to try them out for yourself just to be sure.

[Yam42]

Funny you should ask this as my audiologist told me about these as I would not wear headphones for years so I've ordered some. See what comes of it, good I hope

[Techslave]

I’ve used the bone conducting headphones and they don’t block your ear holes. This is great for me since my hearing aids are already there. And they didn’t make the tinnitus worse. I think when all other noise is blocked off by regular headphones this causes the tinnitus to sound louder since it is the only thing too hear at that point. So not blocking outside noise will help for sure. 👍

[Cohagen in reply to Techslave]

Thanks for that. What brand/model are they?

[Agnetha1985]

I've had blue tooth hearing aids since January 2023 when it was found that I have moderate hearing loss ( I blame Covid!) and play sounds( white noise, bird song, streams and forest noises) through them using the accompanying app and also through my phone- it gives some relief

[Ianparry1]

- I use bone conducting headphones a lot when cycling (so I can hear traffic) . They have no impact on my tinnitus. Hope this helps.Ian

[Cohagen in reply to Ianparry1]

Thanks for that, much appreciated!

[Cohagen in reply to Ianparry1]

Can I ask what model you use?

[Seabob]

Hi I know this is an old post...I have Shokz bone conduction headphones that sit above the ear they help me especially at night as my husband can't hear them, don't appear to make my T any worse 😳