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- 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.
In this roundup, we’ll go over some of the best hearing aids for tinnitus and explain how they work.
- 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.
In some people with hearing loss, the sounds caused by tinnitus may be the same frequency as the external sounds they can’t hear well. For example, if you have trouble hearing high-frequency sounds, the sounds caused by tinnitus may be high-pitched.
Hearing loss deprives the listener of external sound. This can amplify the sounds caused by tinnitus, such as:
- ringing
- buzzing
- clicking
- whistling
- roaring
The combination of hearing loss and tinnitus can make communication particularly challenging.
- 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 on this list are all priced as a pair. We’ve indicated cost as follows:
- $ = $2,000–$5,000
- $$ = over $5,000
These costs may vary by provider. In some instances, you may be able to pay for your hearing aids over time. You may also be able to pay for hearing aids with funds from a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).
Best invisible hearing aids
Phonak Lyric
- Price: $ (varies by provider and geographic location)
- Type: extended wear, completely invisible in the canal
- Trial period: 30 days
- Warranty length: not applicable, replacement devices are included in your subscription cost
This completely invisible hearing aid is placed near the eardrum by a hearing professional. They are worn 24/7 for months at a time.
Lyric is designed for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Since Lyric is left inside the ear, it provides a constant increase in auditory input. An internal study done by Phonak indicated that Lyric helps reduce the perception of tinnitus sounds more quickly than traditional hearing aids. The manufacturer also states that these hearing aids help improve sleep quality.
Lyric is sold via an annual subscription. Their cost includes one year of hearing, replacement devices, and servicing. You’ll visit your provider whenever you need a new pair of hearing aids.
While some people may find this cumbersome, others may benefit and appreciate the consistent input. Seeing your doctor often gives you the opportunity to discuss changes in your hearing and tinnitus on a regular basis.
Pros
- These hearing aids address tinnitus 24/7, including overnight when sounds may be most bothersome.
- The completely invisible design provides discretion.
- There’s no need to change or recharge batteries.
Cons
- They can’t be worn underwater (showering is OK).
- They may not be comfortable for people with short or narrow ear canals.
- Prices vary by provider.
- They don’t have Bluetooth connectivity for streaming.
Best caregiver tools
Starkey Livio Edge AI
- Price: $$
- Type: in the ear or behind the ear
- Trial period: 30 days
- Warranty length: 30 days, longer warranty packages are sold separately
These rechargeable hearing aids come in multiple styles that can be worn in the ear or behind the ear. They use artificial intelligence to improve sound quality and speech audibility in noisy environments.
They connect to two apps that are available for iOS or Android devices. One is for you and the other is for a designated caregiver if you choose. The apps include caregiver and health tools that track physical activity, social engagement, hearing aid usage, and fall detection alerts.
Starkey hearing aids use masking sound therapy to dull and diminish tinnitus sounds. The manufacturer calls it Multiflex Tinnitus Technology. A hearing professional will work with you to customize a sound stimulus that reduces tinnitus intensity and helps to distract you from it.
These hearing aids come with a risk-free, 30-day trial.
Pros
- These hearing aids use masking sound therapy to reduce the impact of tinnitus sounds.
- They include a caregiver app that alerts a contact about falls.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) provides rich sound and enhanced speech audibility.
Cons
- They can be expensive (price varies by provider).
- Long-term warranties must be purchased.
- Certain Android devices require a remote 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
These hearing aids are for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They come in several styles. Some are rechargeable and others use disposable batteries.
These hearing aids come with Oticon’s Tinnitus SoundSupport. They play customizable relief sounds that can be used to mask and diminish the sounds caused by tinnitus. These relief sounds include ocean waves and white noise.
You control the sound through the Oticon ON app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app can also be used to play music, podcasts, and relaxation guides.
According to the manufacturer, Oticon More hearing aids support brain health and increase speech understanding by supplying more sound to the brain. They do this through a network embedded in the chip. This network can identify over 12 million sounds.
These hearing aids have dedicated program settings for music. If tinnitus sounds have been limiting your ability to enjoy music, this program may help. The Oticon MyMusic program provides rich, crystal clear sound during live concerts and streaming.
Pros
- These hearing aids produce rich, crystal clear sound.
- They provide masking sounds for tinnitus relief.
- Telecoil is available in some styles
Cons
- Price may vary, based on seller and geographic location.
- They’re 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 very small hearing aids that sit in the ear canal. They use disposable batteries that last up to 7 days.
They can be used to stream music and phone calls. They also connect to an app you can use to control volume and other settings.
These hearing aids are ready to wear. They click into a soft silicone sleeve that provides a custom-like fit for most types of ear anatomy.
Signia hearing aids use multiple strategies to reduce tinnitus sounds, including Notch Therapy. According to the manufacturer, Notch Therapy identifies your specific tinnitus sound frequency and reduces it. This causes the tinnitus sound to fade into the background, becoming imperceptible. Masking sounds are also available.
Pros
- These hearing aids are discreet and nearly invisible.
- There’s no waiting period to get your hearing aids.
- Professional telecare remote support for your hearing aids is available through the Signia app.
Cons
- They can’t be purchased online.
- Prices may vary, based on seller and geographic 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
These rechargeable receiver-in-ear hearing aids have six microphones, which the manufacturer says produces enhanced sound clarity and speech recognition. They adjust automatically to various hearing environments, including crowded rooms and windy conditions.
These hearing aids are one of six ReSound models that connect to the ReSound Relief app. The app provides sound therapy options you can customize and layer, as well as relaxation and meditation exercises. It’s available for iOS and Android devices. The app can be used with or without hearing aids.
Pros
- Live video calls with your hearing professional are available.
- Microphone and receiver in-ear design provides hearing directionality so you strain less.
- Online hearing test is available.
Cons
- Price, warranty, and trial period vary by seller.
- Tinnitus relief requires use of an app, which may be cumbersome for people who are not into tech.
| 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’re new to hearing aids, it may be helpful to meet with a hearing professional, such as an audiologist, to determine the extent and type of hearing loss you have. You can then decide which hearing aids, prescription or nonprescription, will be best for you.
How much better will I hear?
Hearing aids don’t cure hearing loss, but they do significantly restore the hearing ability for most people who use them. Your degree of hearing loss and 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 also referred to as ringing in the ears. It’s commonly associated with hearing loss.
Several hearing aids include special features that may alleviate tinnitus. These include masking sounds and apps that provide relaxation exercises.
Hearing aids for tinnitus come in a variety of styles. They can also be used for multiple hearing loss levels.
In addition to hearing aids that provide tinnitus relief, treatments for tinnitus include therapy like CBT and anxiety-relieving medication.
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.
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