A Guide to Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
- Best invisible hearing aids: Phonak Lyric
- Best caregiver tools: Starkey Livio Edge AI
- Best for listening to music: Oticon More
- Best ready to wear hearing aids: Signia Silk X
- Best for all environments: ReSound ONE
Tinnitus is a condition that, according to the American Tinnitus Association, affects over 50 million people in the United States. It’s sometimes referred to as ringing in the ears and is a symptom of a problem within the auditory pathway.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, 90% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss.
Tinnitus isn’t “all in your head.” This very real condition can significantly diminish the quality of life for people who have it. While there’s no cure for most types of tinnitus, there are treatments to reduce the severity and help with daily function, including hearing aids.
We will explain how hearing aids work in this round up.
- Improve overall hearing: By improving the quality of external sound, hearing aids make the wearer less focused on the inner sounds caused by tinnitus.
- Maintain sensory perception and the ability to understand language: By restoring sound to the listener, hearing aids reduce auditory deprivation. This may also have a beneficial effect on the ability to process language.
- Mask tinnitus sounds that can be irritating: Some hearing aids provide tinnitus relief by introducing white noise or soothing sounds into the ear. This strategy is known as tinnitus masking. Tinnitus-masking sounds are sometimes built into hearing aids. They may also be programmed through an app connected to the hearing aids.
- Retrain the brain: Hearing aids and other types of sound therapy may also use a technique called habituation. Habituation uses external sound and other techniques to teach the brain to reclassify tinnitus sounds as unimportant. This makes it easier to ignore tinnitus sounds and focus on externally generated ones.
Even though there’s no cure for tinnitus, medical treatments and other tinnitus remedies can help provide relief. Some of these are focused on reducing anxiety and depression, such as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication for anxiety and depression relief can also be beneficial.
Other remedies may include earwax removal, avoiding ototoxic medications (drugs that can cause tinnitus), and limiting alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
The connection between tinnitus and hearing loss
Hearing loss may be a cause of tinnitus. If you have hearing loss, less external sound reaches your brain. This causes neuroplastic changes in the brain that affect the way it processes different sound frequencies.
Some people with hearing loss can hear sounds similar to those of the external world. If you have trouble hearing high-frequency sounds, you may have a condition called Tinnitus.
Hearing loss deprives the person of sound. This can amplify the sounds of hearing loss.
- ringing
- buzzing
- Clicking
- whistling
- roaring
Communication can be difficult due to hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Customer feedback and brand reputation: The hearing aids on this list come from established, trusted hearing aid manufacturers that get good online reviews for customer service and quality.
- FDA registration: Each hearing aid is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device.
- Technology: They all use a specific and targeted strategy for providing tinnitus relief.
- Battery use: We included devices that are rechargeable as well as those that use disposable batteries.
- Hearing aid types: They come in a variety of styles, including behind the ear and in the ear.
How much can hearing aids for tinnitus cost?
All hearing aids, including those that provide tinnitus relief, can be expensive. Unless you have an insurance policy that specifically covers hearing aids, they may not be covered by your provider.
The hearing aids are priced as a pair. We have indicated the cost.
- $ = $2,000–$5,000
- $$ = over $5,000
The costs may be different by the provider. You may be able to pay for your hearing aids over time. You can use a health savings account or flexible spending account to pay for hearing aids.
Best invisible hearing aids
Phonak Lyric
- Price: $ (varies by provider and geographic location)
- Type: extended wear, completely invisible in the canal
- Trial period: 30 days
- Warranty length: not applicable, replacement devices are included in your subscription cost
A hearing professional puts a invisible hearing aid near the eardrum. They are worn for months at a time.
It is designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Since Lyric is left inside the ear, it provides a constant increase in auditory input. An internal study done by Phonak indicated that Lyric helps reduce the perception of tinnitus sounds more quickly than traditional hearing aids. The manufacturer also states that these hearing aids help improve sleep quality.
An annual subscription is what Lyric is sold for. Their cost includes a year of hearing, replacement devices and servicing. You will visit your provider when you need a new pair of hearing aids.
Some people may find it cumbersome, but others may benefit from the consistent input. You can discuss your hearing and tinnitus issues with your doctor.
Pros
- Hearing aids can be used to address tinnitus 24/7.
- The completely invisible design gives discretion.
- There is no need to change batteries.
Cons
- “They can’t be wet.”
- They may not be comfortable for people with short or narrow ear canals.
- Prices can vary by provider.
- “They don’t have a way to stream.”
Best caregiver tools
Starkey Livio Edge AI
- Price: $$
- Type: in the ear or behind the ear
- Trial period: 30 days
- Warranty length: 30 days, longer warranty packages are sold separately
The hearing aids can be worn in the ear or behind the ear. Artificial intelligence is used to improve speech and sound quality.
They can connect to two apps that are available on both phones. If you choose, one is for you and the other is for a designated care giver. The apps include tools that track physical activity, social engagement, hearing aid usage, and fall detection.
masking sound therapy is used by hearing aids to dull and diminish sounds of tinnitus. The manufacturer calls it Multiflex Tinnitus Technology. A hearing professional will help you to modify a sound that reduces the intensity of tinnitus.
The hearing aids come with a 30-day trial.
Pros
- Hearing aids use sound therapy to reduce the impact of sounds.
- They have an app that alertes a contact about falls.
- Artificial intelligence provides enhanced speech intelligibility.
Cons
- They can be expensive.
- Long-term warranties are required.
- Some devices require a microphone.
Best for listening to music
Oticon More
- Price: $$
- Type: receiver in the ear, mini receiver in the ear, behind the ear, mini behind the ear
- Trial period: risk-free trial length varies by seller
- Warranty length: 12 months standard warranty
People with mild to severe hearing loss can use these hearing aids. They come in many styles. Some use disposable batteries.
Tinnitus SoundSupport is included with these hearing aids. They play relief sounds that can be used to mask the sounds of tinnitus. Waves and white noise are relief sounds.
The Oticon ON app is available for both the iPad and the phone. The app can be used to listen to music.
Oticon More hearing aids help the brain by providing more sound to the brain. They use a network in the chip. The network can identify over 12 million sounds.
These hearing aids have settings for music. If you have been having trouble enjoying music because of tinnitus, this program may help. The Oticon MyMusic program provides clear sound during live concerts.
Pros
- Hearing aids produce clear sound.
- They provide masking sounds for hearing loss.
- Some styles of telecoil are available.
Cons
- The price may be different based on the seller and location.
- They are less discreet than some smaller hearing aids.
Best ready to wear hearing aids
Signia Silk X
- Price: $
- Type: completely in canal
- Trial period: 30–90 days, based on seller
- Warranty length: 1 year
Signia Silk X are small hearing aids. They use disposable batteries that last for a while.
They can be used to listen to music. They connect to an app that can be used to control volume and other settings.
These hearing aids are ready to use. They click into a soft silicone sleeve that provides a custom fit for most types of ear.
Signia hearing aids use multiple strategies to reduce tinnitus sounds. The manufacturer says that Notch Therapy reduces the sound of tinnitus. The sound of the tinnitus fades into the background. There are also mask sounds available.
Pros
- These hearing aids are not visible.
- There is no waiting period to get hearing aids.
- Signia has professional telecare remote support for hearing aids.
Cons
- “They can’t be purchased online.”
- Prices may be different based on location.
Best for all environments
ReSound ONE
- Price: $
- Type: receiver in the ear
- Trial period: none offered by ReSound, some sellers may provide a trial period
- Warranty length: varies by seller, at least 1 year
The manufacturer says these hearing aids have six microphones that produce enhanced sound clarity and speech recognition. They adjust to crowded rooms and windy conditions.
The ReSound models connect to the ReSound Relief app. The app provides sound therapy options, as well as relaxation and meditation exercises. It is available for both the iPad and the phone. The app can be used with hearing aids.
Pros
- You can have live video calls with your hearing professional.
- The in- ear design of the microphone and receiver provides hearing directionality.
- There is an online hearing test.
Cons
- The price, warranty, and trial period are not the same as the seller.
- It may be difficult for people who are not into tech to use an app for tinnitus relief.
| Brand | Price | Type | Trial period | Warranty length |
| Phonak Lyric | $ | extended wear, completely invisible in canal | 30 days | new devices are provided as needed |
| Starkey Livio Edge AI | $$ | in the ear or behind the ear | 30 days | 30 days, longer packages sold separately |
| Oticon More | $$ | receiver in ear, mini receiver in ear, behind the ear, mini behind the ear | varies by seller | 12 months |
| Signia Silk X | $ | completely in canal | 30–90 days, based on seller | 1 year |
| ReSound ONE | $ | receiver in ear | none offered by company, some sellers may offer a trial period | 1 year |
Do I need to visit my doctor for a hearing aid?
It depends. Some hearing aids are sold online or over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription.
If you are new to hearing aids, it is helpful to meet with a hearing professional to determine the extent of your hearing loss. You can choose which hearing aids are best for you.
How much better will I hear?
“Hearing aids can help people with hearing loss, but they don’t cure it. The fit and quality of your hearing aids will have an effect on the results.”
Should I get a hearing aid?
If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can significantly improve your quality of life. Hearing loss has been
If cost is an issue, keep in mind that more and more affordable hearing aids are coming onto the market.
Tinnitus is a ringing in the ears. It is associated with hearing loss.
Hearing aids have features that may help with tinnitus. There are apps that provide relaxation exercises.
There are different styles of hearing aids for tinnitus. They can be used for multiple hearing loss levels.
Hearing aids that provide relief for tinnitus are just one of the treatments for the condition.
Corey Whelan is a freelance writer and reproductive health professional who specializes in health and wellness content. She has spent much of the last two decades educating people about infertility and family building options. Whelan is a science nerd, and her heroes span the gamut from Temple Grandin to her wonderful mom. She shares her life in Brooklyn, NY, with her all-grown-up, fascinating children and their wacky shelter dogs. Follow her on Twitter.
