Tinnitus and hearing aids

[Stopthenoise]

Hi, first time posting. I was first diagnosed with tinnitus 8 years ago following hearing tests and MRI scan. At the time hearing aids were suggested along with an app to provide a gentle white noise to help mask my tinnitus. This was to help train me to normalise my tinnitus which worked for me as after around 4 months or so I was able to wear them less and then not at all as I had managed to not focus on the tinnitus.Due to recent stress and anxiety, I began hearing my tinnitus which became really loud and was making me feel worse. I still had my hearing aids and decided using them again to see if they would still be affective. Thankfully, and after 2 days they are and do help hear my tinnitus less as the aids amplify slighly my hearing to usual sounds around me and masking my tinnitus. It is early days but I'm hoping this will do until I can manage without them. There is also an masking app I will be getting through the NHS, and introduce white noise should I need it.

Hearing aids may not be for everyone but for me they work, so I wanted to share this and if it this helps anyone else that would be a good thing.

Also, when I am not wearing them at home I have the radio on.

[Happyrosie]

thank you for posting

[Loveclimbing]

I have hearing aids with the app and they are fantastic. Lived with T most of my life, at times its unbearable. Hearing aids have helped enormously. I would suggest anyone with T trying them to see if they can help. I got mine free through NHS. Glad yours help Stopthenoise!

[Horselover100]

does anyone know if it’s possible for someone with no hearing loss to have hearing aids to help mask tinnitus?

[Jimbob7 in reply to Horselover100]

Yes, very much so but they needn't be hearing aids - just buy a decent pair of ear pods and you'll be able to "fill-up" your World with background noise (white, pink, brown, etc) or music or the sound of ocean waves, wind, whatever takes your fancy."

[Notreve7766]

Hi Stopthenoise

Do you use your hearing aids for white noise only or are they also amplifying your hearing?

[Stopthenoise in reply to Notreve7766]

Hi, At the moment to amplify my hearing as that seems to be enough for now, but previously I did use them with white noise.

[Hel_C]

I am similar I also find that my hearing aids help, I have had them one year and have got used to them. I also find that if I manage my stress my tinnitus gets quieter. Unfortunately my tinnitus is shouting me at the moment! Thank you for sharing

[Hel_C in reply to Hel_C]

I would suggest that you try downloading apps with white noise or listen to meditation sounds (such as rain) through your phone/ ear buds which might help.

[PleinairM]

thank you for sharing this, it’s a vicious cycle tinnitus and stress, I’m in the first 2 months of it, having had it once before (2 years ago with labrynthitis) I wasn’t aware of its connection to stress and anxiety until it hit me the second time. And now I’m working on getting the anxiety under control to reduce the tinnitus and vice versa.

[MarionP]

8Not a bad idea, I think I will explore it a little bit. Glad you have found a way to get something out of it, for sure that's a good move! 🐕 This is my little Samoyed dog mishka. I hope you appreciate it, I don't do it for everybody. But you had a good idea and that deserves a little something more than just a thank you. Be well!

[Bigears1]

Did you notice the tinnitus before your hearing tests?

[Stopthenoise in reply to Bigears1]

I did yes as it was getting steadily worse over recent months, also tge same on the first occasion 8 years ago.

[Bigears1 in reply to Stopthenoise]

I see. Ok thanks.

[Toto72]

Nice!

Thank you for sharing.