Tinnitus—a persistent ringing, buzzing, or clicking in the ears—affects millions of people worldwide. It’s often linked to hearing loss but can also stem from other medical conditions. While there’s no known cure for tinnitus, hearing aids and other treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sounds—such as ringing, hissing, or buzzing—without an external source. It affects at least 10% of American adults and is especially common among those with hearing loss.
There are two kinds of tinnitus:
- Subjective tinnitus: This is the most common form of tinnitus, and it happens when only you can hear the sound. Most subjective tinnitus is related to hearing loss.
- Objective tinnitus: A rarer type that can sometimes be heard by a doctor during an ear examination—you’re not the only one who can hear it.
Pulsatile tinnitus
A subtype of objective tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus sounds like a rhythmic pulsing or beating and is often tied to circulatory issues or other medical conditions. It usually matches the rhythm of your heartbeat. If you experience this, seek medical attention.
What does tinnitus sound like?
Tinnitus can manifest as:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Roaring
- Hissing
- Rushing
Symptoms may be temporary or chronic, with severity ranging from mild to disruptive. Many people notice it more in quiet settings, such as before sleep.
Video: What is tinnitus?
Hearing aids for tinnitus relief
Hearing aids amplify external sounds, which can help mask tinnitus and reduce stress. Some models have specialized tinnitus-masking features or apps that play soothing tones, helping you focus less on internal sounds and “distract” your brain from the tinnitus sounds.
Tinnitus-masking features
Prescription hearing aids with tinnitus-masking will often include features like:
- Fractal tones: Randomized, soothing sounds designed to distract the brain from tinnitus
- Customizable programs: Tailored settings that match tinnitus frequencies—settings help you “disguise” your tinnitus symptoms behind other sounds.
Bluetooth hearing aids for tinnitus
Both OTC and prescription Bluetooth hearing aids can stream music or soothing sounds from smartphone apps. However, not all Bluetooth devices offer full streaming capabilities. Be sure to confirm features before purchasing.
Causes of tinnitus
Some of the most common causes of tinnitus include:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Noise exposure
- Medications (e.g., certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, etc.)
- Underlying medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, TMJ disorders)
Smoking, alcohol use, stress, and chronic earwax buildup can also contribute to tinnitus.
Other treatments for tinnitus
These other treatments have proven effective for treating tinnitus:
- Sound therapy: Use white noise machines, fans, or nature sounds to mask tinnitus.
- Stress management: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga may reduce tinnitus-related stress.
- Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) help patients reframe their reactions to tinnitus.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): Combining counseling with sound therapy may help train your brain to ignore tinnitus sounds.
Does insurance cover hearing aids for tinnitus?
Medicare
Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids but may cover diagnostic hearing exams. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing aid benefits. Check with your insurance provider for more information.
Medicaid
Coverage varies by state. Check with your local Medicaid office for specific benefits. Use this list of Medicaid offices by state.
Private insurance
Hearing aid coverage is rare but growing, with some states mandating benefits. Find your state in this list of insurance mandates for hearing aid coverage.
Alternative resources
- AARP discounts: Members can access reduced rates on hearing aids
- Vocational rehabilitation programs: May cover costs for those who need hearing aids for employment
- Veterans benefits: Free hearing aids and exams for eligible veterans
How to prevent tinnitus
While there is no cure, there are a few things you can do to help prevent tinnitus:
- Use ear protection in loud environments.
- Keep volumes at safe levels when using earbuds or headphones.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Prioritize your emotional health and find ways to manage your stress, anxiety, or depression.
Why trust Aging in Place
The team at Aging in Place knows hearing health. We’ve deeply researched and tested to ensure we can give you accurate information on hearing loss, its effects, and what you can do about it.