Top Hearing Aids and Devices for Tinnitus – 2023 Guide and Reviews

 

You will find here all the information you need to identify the best hearing aid for tinnitus. Our team has researched all the popular and critically acclaimed models on the market and concluded that the one you should put down on top of your list is the Vibes Acoustic Filter. This pair of earplugs will reduce decibel levels to comfortable values, so you don’t have to worry about your ears getting damaged in areas that are extremely noisy. These noise-cancelling earplugs are capable of retaining sound fidelity, while filtering the noise from your surroundings, for outstanding quality. The ear fitting design makes them as good as invisible so that no one will suspect that you are wearing them. In the unfortunate event that the Vibes Acoustic Filter is no longer available, you should try the Rave High Fidelity, as it can offer almost just as much aid as the first product.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

6 Best Hearing Aids and Devices for Tinnitus (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

After browsing through numerous models available for sale, we noticed a few products standing out from the crowd, regarding consumer satisfaction and excellent features. You can find them all below so that you can quickly take your pick.

 

 

1. Vibes Acoustic Filter Ear Plugs

 

Comfort is essential when wearing hearing aids and other similar devices, which is why the Vibes Acoustic Filter is so popular. The manufacturer offers several size options so that you can fit these earplugs over your ears with maximum ease. The silicone material they are made from is hypoallergenic, which means that it will not cause any unwanted irritations.

If you are considering your options for gifts for grandparents, you should not overlook this. People with sensitive ears and who suffer from sensory processing conditions can benefit greatly from this product. In tinnitus therapy, such earplugs are recommended to alleviate the symptoms.

The high fidelity device can reduce decibel levels so you can go through crowded areas without being disturbed by loud noises. The noise capabilities of this model are outstanding and one of the leading reasons why so many people are already in love with them. Sound fidelity is also preserved.

Pros

This choice has a form-fitting low profile and a glass-clear outer shell that makes it appear almost invisible when compared to the available alternatives.

Its design makes it perfect at blocking out and muffling sound and noises that might cause discomfort to a person that has tinnitus. 

The biggest advantage of this product is, according to users, the fact that it is rather comfortable because of its snug fit that suits everybody.

Plus, the silicone that was used to make it is hypoallergenic. This option is available in multiple sizes. So, you’ll surely find one that matches your needs.

Cons

Some previous buyers have noted that these buds are not for autistic patients, as most of them cannot tolerate them.

It has been argued that, given the construction quality of this product, this option is somewhat overpriced. Not many former buyers agree with this assessment of the model. 

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2. Rave High Fidelity

 

While you can walk better with the help of a walking stick, your hearing can be helped by high-quality hearing aids. The Rave High Fidelity ensures that sound quality is never lost, while it lowers the symptoms of tinnitus. It is capable of filtering the acoustics from your surrounding environment, without muffling the sounds or words you hear.

The set comes with high fidelity filters in clear and white colors. You can apply these filters over short stems or long stems without a problem. The versatility offered is one of the things that make so many people appreciate this model.

You may not like people to notice that you are using hearing aids. The slim design of these filters makes them as good as invisible. They are hypoallergenic and very easy to use. They are also a breeze to clean, which is essential since you don’t want to worry about ear infections.

Pros

This alternative comes fitted with interchangeable filters that can customize the sound quality per your needs.

Besides, it has a low-profile design and a soft and comfortable feel that you are prone to enjoy and appreciate. 

The choice is made of hypoallergenic silicone, a material that is particularly comfortable as well as easy to maintain, a feature that many praise.

You can utilize this product in a wide array of situations including when going to a concert. It is also recommended to be used by musicians while practicing.

Cons

This product might not be a great purchase for those users who have small ear canals. So, if you know that you are one of them, be sure to look for a different option.

Another buyer was quick to point out that the buds have a tip that is made of a hard material that can cause discomfort to users. 

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3. Rave High Fidelity Ear Plugs HiFi Hearing Protection

 

You will get two pairs of earplugs, one for short stem designs, and another for long stems, as well as a carrying case that will allow you to take them with you on trips. The clear filters offer a sound reduction by 19 decibels, while the white ones will ensure a decrease of up to 22 decibels. This means that you can adjust them as you see fit.

If you like going to concerts or movies, these earplugs will protect your ears without sacrificing sound quality. The excellent acoustic filtering they offer will let you enjoy high fidelity of sound without experiencing the usual annoyances associated with tinnitus.

The earplugs are made of silicone, and they are hypoallergenic. They are also easy to wash, something to bear in mind as a measure to prevent ear infections. Since you may end up using these plugs quite a lot, it doesn’t hurt to know that you can wash them quickly.

Pros

Because of their design, these buds can preserve sound quality while protecting the user’s ears from tinnitus. They do not muffle the sound in any way.

The product comes fitted with interchangeable 19- and 25-dB filters that enable the buyer to customize it so that he/she is supplied with the best results.

This option is minimalistic in design and comfortable, two features that are considered a must in a product of this sort.

What is more, this item is made of hypoallergenic silicone, a material known for being easy to clean.

Cons

One previous customer argued that the sound quality provided by these buds was not qualitative. This was the only review that pointed to this issue.

Another buyer argued that this product is somewhat difficult to remove once the user has inserted it. He said that he was unhappy that had to use tweezers to get the job done.

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Other solutions for tinnitus sufferers

 

Tinnitus sufferers can benefit from other devices, besides hearing aids. Tinnitus can get particularly difficult to endure at night, so a device that can help you sleep better without suffering from the usual symptoms can be a godsend. See below a few such products that can aid you to get a good night’s sleep.

 

4. HanPro White Noise Machine With 5 Natural Sound Options

 

If your grandfather has trouble sleeping and you have been looking for great granddad gifts, this may be precisely what you need. The HanPro White Noise is an excellent option for helping people with tinnitus and conditions that do not let them rest well at night.

As it is a machine that produces white noise, it helps the brain relax gradually so that it can enter a stage where sleep can be induced without any trouble. The white noise will block outside sounds, but it will also do an excellent job to limit the symptoms of tinnitus.

The five sound options are not all the same, and the variety of sound patterns will help you sleep and rest well. You can even add extra sounds with the help of a memory card that is included in the price. The shut-off timer can be adjusted, and the device also comes with a nighttime light.

Pros

This machine is the perfect gift for those who have trouble falling asleep at night as it produces white noise that actively helps the brain to relax.

Buyers of the device can choose between five distinct sound options that have various patterns that can help one rest peacefully throughout the night.

A shut off timer has been integrated into the design of this choice so that its battery won’t get drained immediately.

Besides, this model also features a nice nighttime light that makes it practical and easy to locate by its users.

Cons

A previous owner of the device noted that the machine that she was shipped only lasted for six months before it broke. Only she signaled this problem.

Another customer was quick to note that this choice was too loud and that, consequently, she had to return it. Yet, the user has the ability to switch between five different sound levels.

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5. Key Idea White Noise

 

This machine offers excellent sound therapy, with six options to choose from. If you prefer white noise, this machine will deliver; the other options include rainforest sounds, ocean waves, and lullaby. Whether it is a small infant who needs to rest well or a senior with tinnitus problems, you will find the KEY IDEA White Noise an excellent option.

There are many benefits associated with the use of such a machine. Besides helping your brain relax so you can sleep well, you will also notice a boost in mood, and your immune system will be thankful, too.

This is a machine that you can quickly adjust to whatever you want it to do. The auto shut-off function can be customized depending on your needs to shut down the device after half an hour, an hour, or only 15 minutes, depending on how fast you usually fall asleep. For tinnitus sufferers, as well as children, this is a wonderful device.

Pros

This alternative can supply you with no less than six sound therapy options that you can select from, depending on your preferences.

It can emit various sounds such as ocean waves, rainforest noises, and it also features a lullaby setting. You can use the last one if you have small children who are fussy sleepers. 

The model acts by directly relaxing the brain and by inducing sleep. After utilizing it, you will feel calm and your mood will be boosted.

As expected, it features a very handy shut off function. You can program this device to shut itself off after fifteen minutes, or half an hour.

Cons

Some of its buyers were not completely satisfied with the quality of this model. Yet, this choice has received overall great reviews from those who have tried it.

It has been observed that this alternative is somewhat pricey considering the much cheaper alternatives that you could also buy.

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6. Sound Oasis Bluetooth Sleep Sound Therapy System

 

The company making this product is also famous for their excellent hearing aid items, so it should come as no surprise that they directed their efforts and expertise to make a device that can help patients with tinnitus. Any sound that keeps bugging you can be kept at bay by this Bluetooth enabled model.

One thing you may notice right from the start is that the device doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. The model comes with high-frequency sounds that will alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus when you go to sleep, and they usually become worse.

In case you are not using it for tinnitus therapy, you can simply use it as an extra speaker for your smartphone as it works via Bluetooth. However, you do not need the Bluetooth when you need it to play the therapy tinnitus oriented soundtracks it comes along with. The micro SD card provided comes with 20 different tracks, of 8 hours each.

Pros

This device can improve your sleep by managing tinnitus and blocking noise. It can be utilized by children and adults alike.

It features a built-in micro USB card that is preloaded with ten distinct sounds that you can stream to up to 8 hours at a time.

The manufacturer argues that this device can deliver an exceptional bass sound, something that few other counterparts in this price category can match.

The model incorporates a Bluetooth wireless range and a rechargeable lithium battery. The battery lasts between five and eight hours.

Cons

One buyer asserted that this product did nothing to improve his sleep. Yet, he was particularly impressed with its outstanding construction quality.

Another owner claimed that the buttons that this product features are too small and, thus, not very practical for seniors with sight problems. 

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Our Yearly Guide

 

If you are here to find the best type of hearing aid for tinnitus, you will see that there are a few essential features you need to bear in mind so you can pick a model that offers outstanding functionality and is worth the money. We want to help you out by providing you all the information needed for an informed choice.

Noise-canceling properties

You can help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus by wearing hearing aids or using devices that can overcome the constant annoying sound in your ears. In the case of hearing aids, it is vital that these come with some noise-canceling properties.

Hearing loss and conditions associated with it can be quite complex, and that is why it is not so easy to identify the best hearing aids for tinnitus. They need to be able to reduce the amount of noise that comes from the surrounding environment, but without affecting sound fidelity and quality.

In other words, you still need to hear when someone talks to you, but without hearing anything but a muffled speech, because your ears are covered by the hearing aids. Especially seniors are affected by such problems, and for them, you can find various aids, such as osteoporosis treatments for patients with frail bones, but many other types of equipment that impact their life in a favorable manner.

In the case of tinnitus and hearing loss, you will need to focus on devices that can filter the acoustics from the environment, without reducing fidelity. The earplugs you should get if you suffer from tinnitus should reduce the noise around by up to 20 decibels, if not more, while you should still clearly hear someone talking into your ear.

Comfort matters

Hearing aids come in various designs, but you should focus on those models that offer the most comfort. The best tinnitus hearing aid is the one that fits in your ear without causing extra discomfort. You will notice that there are manufacturers that offer various size options, and you should pay close attention to such aspects.

Also, as we speak about comfort, see if there are any extras provided with your purchase. For instance, you should get a model that comes with a carrying case because that will make it easy for you to take your hearing aids along with you on trips.

 

Can you wash your hearing aids?

This is an aspect that is often overlooked, and that’s not a good thing. You may end up spending quite a bit of time with your hearing aids in your ears, and they can accumulate grime resulted from the natural shedding of dead skin cells that occurs all the time.

It is ideal to go for a model that is made from silicone, and it is hypoallergenic. But this is not all; check the manufacturer’s description to see if you can wash your hearing aids, to prevent ear infections. The best rated hearing aids for tinnitus are usually made from high-quality materials, and they can be cleaned.

 

About devices for tinnitus therapy

Besides hearing aids, let’s talk a little about devices used for tinnitus therapy. People with tinnitus often have a hard time falling asleep at night, which has a terrible impact on their overall wellbeing. If you are thinking about getting gifts for retired men that could have a positive influence on their lives, you should consider a white noise machine.

This kind of machine will replace the sound you continuously hear with other sounds, and that will help your brain relax to the point that you will experience no more trouble falling asleep. Just like incontinence pads help seniors with such problems have a restful sleep without waking up, such white noise machine can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

Some models can even double as speakers for your phone or tablet. The more functionality you can get for the money, the better, so choose a model that can offer you a lot for the money.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about hearing aids and devices for tinnitus

 

Q: Do hearing aids make tinnitus worse?

While wearing your hearing aids, you will not have to worry about tinnitus symptoms, but some people report that their tinnitus seems to get worse when they take out their hearing aids. Since such devices will adjust the level of sound, you perceive when wearing them, it is nothing unusual to feel like your tinnitus gets louder when you take them off.

You can alleviate this by using a white noise machine at night, as you should not wear your hearing aids all the time. However, to say that hearing aids make tinnitus worse is like saying that senior walkers could make someone’s walking conditions worse.

Q: Will hearing aids help tinnitus?

If your tinnitus is also accompanied by hearing loss, you can significantly benefit from using a hearing aid. It is essential that you see your doctor so that they can tell you more about the hearing aid you will need.

Many of the tinnitus hearing aids reviews point out that you can experience significant relief from the usual sound in your ears if you are wearing such a device. Remember that it needs to be comfortable to wear and that you should be able to wash or somehow clean it so that no ear infections rear their ugly head after wearing the aids for extended periods of time.

 

Q: How do tinnitus hearing aids work?

Hearing aids that are designed for helping patients with tinnitus will increase the level of the sound stimuli from the exterior to the point that they become more powerful than the sound of tinnitus. That is how they mask the annoying sounds so that you can discern others from the environment, such as someone talking to you.

Especially patients who have hearing loss that sets within the same frequency range as the tinnitus can benefit greatly from the use of hearing aids. As long as the hearing aid augments the outside noise, such as speech, above the level of tinnitus, patients will be able to notice an improvement. The reviews of hearing aids for tinnitus can help you identify the right model for you.

 

 

10 facts about tinnitus

 

Tinnitus is a condition that affects a lot of people, but not many know exactly what it is all about. That is why we think the following list will help you understand this condition better and why it should not be mistaken for other hearing problems.

1.    Tinnitus is not a psychiatric condition, and the sounds that the patients hear in their ears are not the result of this sort of health issue. The sounds can be heard inside the head, or just in one of the ears. Sometimes both ears are affected.

 

2.    It is quite common to believe that tinnitus is simply caused by constant and long exposure to noises over a certain threshold, but it is not the only cause identified so far by healthcare professionals. There are plenty of patients who develop tinnitus without identifiable causes. Both men and women are affected, and there seems to be no profession or age that is completely protected against tinnitus.

 

3.    The sounds experienced by people with tinnitus can vary a great deal. Some people hear a hissing sound, others say they experience ringing in their ears, while others hear chirping sounds.

 

4.    It is essential that people with tinnitus search help sooner than later. Many people dismiss it as just something that will go away in time, especially if they develop it after a medical treatment. Since they don’t want their condition to become a source of embarrassment, they tend to postpone a much needed visit to the doctor.

 

5.    Do you know that almost 15% of all adults can experience tinnitus? Only in the US, the number of tinnitus sufferers reaches 50 million, with 12 million of them needing medical assistance.

 

6.    There are two major types of tinnitus: objective and subjective. The objective type can be heard by a doctor using a stethoscope. However, the subjective type is much more widespread. And, unlike blood pressure conditions that can be kept tabs on with the help of wrist blood pressure monitors, there is no such device for subjective tinnitus.

 

7.    Teenagers are not spared the risk of tinnitus. Actually, some studies show that one in five may suffer from a permanent type of tinnitus.

 

8.    A connection between smoking and tinnitus was found, as studies offer information on how the toxic compounds in cigarettes can cause tinnitus, as well as other ear health problems, such as infections.

 

9.    It is not out of the ordinary to find tinnitus patients who also suffer from stress and anxiety conditions. The ringing in the ears they hear can be associated with the anxiety condition they suffer, such as panic attacks, depression, or just overall heightened stress levels.

 

10.    Did you know that 60% of those who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan now experience some form of hearing loss and tinnitus? While it may not sound like a threatening life condition, it clearly has an impact on the lives of these veterans who will remain stuck with this condition and in need of therapy for the remainder of their days.

 

 

10 myths about tinnitus

 

To understand tinnitus, you will have to understand many aspects of this complex condition. It is important to set facts apart from myths, so that the best treatment available is provided to someone who suffers from it. Without further ado, here are ten myths about tinnitus you might have believed until now.

1.    Tinnitus has no cure

It is true that many people suffer from chronic forms of tinnitus and they need to follow treatment and therapy all their lives. But the harsh statement above might make you think that there is absolutely nothing you can do, which is not true. There are plenty of things that can be done to alleviate the symptoms and lead a normal life.

 

2.    Diet can influence tinnitus in a positive manner

If you drink caffeine, or you consume alcohol, you may notice that your tinnitus is getting worse, but this does not mean that you can simply change your diet and see a change for the better. While you are doing yourself much good by looking out for yourself and eating healthy, you cannot cure tinnitus this way.

 

3.    Tinnitus is a condition that you can’t do anything about

Nothing could be further from the truth. While there is no miracle cure, this doesn’t mean that you cannot do anything. There are plenty of treatments and therapies that can alleviate the symptoms of make them more manageable.

 

4.    You must suffer from hearing loss to have tinnitus

While it is nothing unusual for people with hearing loss to also suffer from tinnitus, there is no direct correlation between the two. You can have tinnitus, without experiencing hearing loss, and that is a fact.

 

5.    Tinnitus patients always go deaf

This myth is a very dangerous thing to believe. But the good news is that it is not true. People with hearing loss and tinnitus can live with these conditions, provided that they follow treatment.

 

6.    Tinnitus means a ringing sound

Many patients describe their tinnitus as a ringing sound they hear in their ears, but this does not apply to everyone. The sound heard can be whooshing, chirping, humming, or buzzing, and can vary greatly from one person to another.

 

7.    You should not use hearing aids

Actually, hearing aids can work for patients with tinnitus, in the sense that they can make other sounds clearer, like someone speaking, above the level of tinnitus sounds, thus helping the patient experience a relief.

 

8.    You can take medicine for tinnitus

Medicine is not, unfortunately, available, and it cannot make tinnitus symptoms disappear. There are other therapies you should try for it, such as white noise therapy, wearing a hearing aid and so on. Just like a wheelchair cushion can help a patient feel more comfortable, these therapies can help tinnitus sufferers.

 

9.    Loud sounds and wearing earbuds are the sole culprits for tinnitus

It is not a good idea to listen to loud music all the time, but, at the same time, such a habit is not the only one responsible for tinnitus. There can be many different causes for tinnitus.

 

10.    Tinnitus sounds exists only in the patient’s head

Tinnitus patients do not imagine the sounds they hear. They really hear them, and that is why tinnitus is not related to psychiatric conditions.

 

 

What causes tinnitus?

 

Tinnitus is often described as a condition in itself, but that is quite a wrong approach since, in many cases, it is actually a symptom of another underlying condition. Depending on how it manifests and what signs it shows, a healthcare professional can identify the real root of the problem.

For instance, increased blood flow in the ear area can cause tinnitus. This may happen when there is a tumor, which is a severe medical condition; a high blood pressure can also be at the root at the sounds the patient hears.

Other medical conditions can be held responsible, as well. Muscle spasms in the palate inside the mouth can cause a clicking sound that you hear in your ears. Aging is another factor that you should not overlook, and that is why many seniors report that they have tinnitus.

Otosclerosis is a condition described as the overgrowth of the bone inside the middle ear. That could be at the origin of the sounds experienced by the tinnitus patient. Changes in air pressure can cause tinnitus, too.

If you go scuba diving or you travel by air, changes in air pressure can occur quite suddenly. When they happen, they can cause the appearance of such a condition as tinnitus. Meniere’s disease is another condition that can have tinnitus among its symptoms.

As you can see, many medical conditions can be associated with tinnitus, from hearing loss due to aging to barotrauma that involves changes in air pressure.

Common tinnitus symptoms

 

Tinnitus, as explained earlier, is not a condition in itself, although it is often described as such. While such a categorization helps with offering information on the topic in a fat and easy to understand manner, if we are correct, we need to say that tinnitus usually manifests as a symptom for another medical condition.

You should not worry if you have tinnitus, as there are plenty of treatments and therapies available. There are means to reduce the annoying sounds in your ears, and, for that, you will need to understand the symptoms first.

 

Q: What kind of sounds do patients with tinnitus experience?

Often, patients with tinnitus say that they experience a ringing sound in their ears, and that seems to be the most common manifestation. However, the sounds you can hear when you have tinnitus can vary a great deal. You may hear a buzzing sound or roaring, and sometimes, clicking and hissing.

Also, the frequency range can vary a great deal. Some report something like a low roar, while others say that it is more like a high squeal. Some people only hear the annoying sound in one ear, while others hear it in both ears.

 

Q: Do you hear these sounds all the time?

No, tinnitus is not permanent in its manifestations, although some patients can report suffering from it for prolonged periods of time without stop. Many people report that their tinnitus symptoms come and go, while others say that they experience them continuously aside from when they sleep. Other people do experience symptoms continuously.

 

The two forms of tinnitus

Health care professionals set two types of tinnitus apart and they are called subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. While they may be manifested the same, there are some crucial differences between the two.

Subjective tinnitus can be heard by no one but you. That can be very frustrating, as you may think that diagnosing the condition can be difficult. However, many people suffer from subjective tinnitus, and your description of the symptoms will convince your doctor.

The most important thing you need to know about subjective tinnitus is that it can be associated with problems of the auditory nerves or the area inside of your brain that is responsible for interpreting sound.

The other form of tinnitus, the one called objective, can be heard by someone else. A doctor can identify it with the help of a stethoscope, or by standing near to you. Blood vessel problems or muscle spasms can be responsible for this kind of tinnitus.

 

Seeing a doctor

Tinnitus symptoms can appear after suffering from a cold. If the annoying sound in your ears does not go away after a week of treatment, you should see a doctor. Also, it is essential to pay your doctor a visit, if you also suffer from dizziness, or experience hearing loss.

 

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Bibliography:

1) What is the main cause of tinnitus?

2) Hearing Aids and Other Devices

3) Tinnitus is overwhelmingly connected to some level of hearing loss

4) Hearing aids and tinnitus