Managing Tinnitus with Modern Hearing Technology

Jeff Baller
November 25, 2024
8
min read
Managing Tinnitus with Modern Hearing Technology

Tinnitus is often described as ringing or roaring in the ears when no external sound is present. For many people, tinnitus can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, trouble relaxing, and feelings of irritability. Understanding how modern hearing technology can help manage tinnitus symptoms is valuable for those seeking relief.

Understanding the Tinnitus-Hearing Loss Connection

Most cases of tinnitus are connected to hearing loss. When the auditory system receives less external sound input due to hearing loss, the brain may generate its own sound signals, perceived as tinnitus. This relationship between hearing loss and tinnitus makes hearing aids a practical management tool.

Modern Tinnitus Management Features

Today's hearing aids offer sophisticated tinnitus management capabilities through integrated sound therapy features. These features can help reduce the perception of tinnitus while improving overall hearing ability.

Widex SoundRelax Technology

The Widex Moment hearing aids incorporate advanced tinnitus management through their SoundRelax feature. This technology builds upon Widex's pioneering work with fractal tones - continuously changing, soothing sounds that never repeat in exactly the same way. The SoundRelax library includes both harmonic tones and natural sounds designed to:

  • Help the brain shift attention away from tinnitus
  • Promote relaxation
  • Aid concentration
  • Reduce stress associated with tinnitus

The SoundRelax sounds are customized based on your specific hearing loss pattern, ensuring optimal benefit. You can activate these sounds as needed throughout your day with a simple program change.

Flexible Usage Options

Modern tinnitus management features offer multiple ways to use sound therapy:

Standalone Mode

In quiet environments when you don't need to hear surrounding sounds, you can use the tinnitus sounds alone.

Combined Mode

The tinnitus sounds can be used alongside regular hearing aid amplification, allowing you to hear both environmental sounds and the therapeutic sounds together.

Customized Programming

At Professional Hearing Services, we understand that tinnitus affects each person differently. Our audiologists work with you to:

  • Evaluate your specific tinnitus characteristics
  • Assess how tinnitus impacts your daily life
  • Create personalized tinnitus management programs
  • Adjust sound therapy settings for optimal relief
  • Provide counseling and coping strategies

The Mobile Advantage

Our mobile audiology services make managing tinnitus more convenient. We bring professional tinnitus evaluation and hearing aid programming directly to you, whether at home or another comfortable location. This allows us to assess your tinnitus in your typical environment and make precise adjustments to your hearing technology.

Comprehensive Tinnitus Care

Beyond the technology itself, successful tinnitus management often requires a multi-faceted approach. Our audiologists are trained in comprehensive tinnitus care that includes:

  • Detailed tinnitus evaluation
  • Hearing aid fitting with tinnitus features
  • Counseling on tinnitus understanding and management
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Environmental sound strategies
  • Regular follow-up care

Real Ear Measurement for Optimal Results

We use Real Ear Measurement technology to verify that both the amplification and tinnitus management features of your hearing aids are working optimally. This verification ensures you receive the maximum benefit from your hearing technology.

Choosing the Right Technology

When selecting hearing aids for tinnitus management, several factors should be considered:

  • Severity of Tinnitus: More severe cases may benefit from devices with more sophisticated tinnitus management features.
  • Lifestyle Needs: Your daily activities and environments help determine which features will be most beneficial.
  • Hearing Loss Pattern: The type and degree of hearing loss influence which hearing aid models will work best for both hearing improvement and tinnitus management.

Additional Features to Consider

Modern hearing aids offer various features that can complement tinnitus management:

  • Rechargeable Batteries: Ensuring consistent power for reliable tinnitus relief throughout the day.
  • Smartphone Apps: Allowing easy adjustments to both hearing and tinnitus management settings.
  • Bluetooth Streaming: Enabling direct audio streaming for music or other masking sounds.

The Role of Professional Support

Working with experienced audiologists is crucial for successful tinnitus management. Our team stays current with the latest tinnitus research and technology developments to provide the most effective care possible.

Regular follow-up appointments allow us to:

  • Monitor your progress
  • Make necessary adjustments
  • Address any challenges
  • Update management strategies as needed

More Tinnitus Solutions from Leading Manufacturers

Signia Tinnitus Management

Signia hearing aids provide customizable tinnitus therapy signals that can be fine-tuned to your specific needs. Their tinnitus features include:

  • Static noise therapy signals in various forms including white, pink, and speech-shaped noise
  • Ocean wave sounds that many users find naturally soothing
  • Volume controls that can be adjusted throughout the day as needed
  • Integration with the Signia app for easy adjustments

Starkey Tinnitus Technology

Starkey's tinnitus management approach includes:

  • Customizable sound therapy featuring different types of white noise
  • Multi-flex tinnitus technology that creates a personalized sound stimulus
  • Integration with their smartphone app for precise control
  • Options to adjust both the frequency and volume of tinnitus relief sounds

Personalized Programming Process

When fitting hearing aids with tinnitus management features, we follow a structured approach:

Initial Assessment

  • Comprehensive hearing evaluation
  • Detailed tinnitus assessment
  • Discussion of your specific challenges and needs
  • Review of available tinnitus management options

Device Selection and Fitting

  • Choosing the most appropriate hearing aid model
  • Programming tinnitus features to your preferences
  • Real ear measurement verification
  • Instructions on using tinnitus management features

Follow-up Care

  • Regular check-ins to assess effectiveness
  • Fine-tuning of settings as needed
  • Additional counseling and support
  • Updates to management strategies

Mobile Care Benefits for Tinnitus Management

Our mobile audiology services offer unique advantages for tinnitus management:

Realistic Environment Testing

  • Evaluate tinnitus features in your actual living spaces
  • Adjust settings based on your typical daily environments
  • Test effectiveness in various real-world situations

Convenient Adjustments

  • Quick programming changes without office visits
  • Immediate verification of setting modifications
  • Reduced stress of traveling when experiencing tinnitus

Long-term Success Strategies

Managing tinnitus effectively often requires a combination of approaches:

Technology Use

  • Consistent use of hearing aids during waking hours
  • Strategic use of tinnitus management features
  • Regular battery charging or replacement
  • Proper maintenance of devices

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Understanding triggers that may worsen tinnitus
  • Developing healthy sleep habits
  • Stress management techniques
  • Environmental sound management strategies

Taking the First Step

If you're experiencing tinnitus, scheduling a consultation with our audiologists at Professional Hearing Services is an important first step toward relief. We can evaluate your tinnitus, discuss how modern hearing technology might help, and develop a personalized management plan. Contact us to schedule an appointment, whether at our office or through our mobile audiology services.

Audiologist Jeff Baller
Jeff Baller, Au.D., CCC-A
Audiologist / Owner

Dr. Jeff Baller is the owner of Professional Hearing Services, Inc. He is a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology through the American Board of Audiology. He received his Doctorate from the Arizona School of Health Sciences, his Masters degree from Lamar University in 1995, and Bachelors degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1993.

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