Do you hear a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears that no one else seems to notice? If so, you may be one of the many individuals experiencing tinnitus. This condition can be more than just an annoyance; it can affect your concentration, quality of sleep, and overall peace of mind. But there is hope. Empire Hearing & Audiology in New York offers a way to manage ringing in ears, and hearing aids have proven to be a valuable tool for some experiencing the symptoms of tinnitus.
Understanding Tinnitus
Before digging into solutions, let’s unpack what tinnitus really is. Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom often associated with underlying causes such as age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax blockage, and damage to the inner ear. It manifests as a perception of noise in the ear, often ringing or buzzing, and can vary in pitch, consistency, and severity. For some, it’s a minor background noise in a quiet environment; for others, it’s a debilitating experience that needs attention. We take all levels of tinnitus ringing seriously and offer testing and treatment options at our hearing care locations.
The Role of Hearing Aids in Tinnitus Relief
Hearing aids can offer significant relief for many with hearing loss caused by tinnitus. When explicitly programmed to an individual’s hearing loss, the devices keep the brain engaged with actual environmental sounds rather than focusing on the phantom sounds caused by tinnitus.
Key Benefits of Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Sufferers:
- Distraction – By amplifying real-world sounds, hearing aids help distract your brain from searching for other sounds, leading to the noises associated with tinnitus.
- Retraining the Brain – With increased access to sounds, your brain can retrain itself to tune out the tinnitus noise for improved hearing health over time.
- Tinnitus Masking – Some advanced hearing aids offer a tinnitus masking feature that emits sound designed to cover up the tinnitus.
Masking Features: Sound Therapy at Your Fingertips
Modern tinnitus hearing aids come with built-in programs that specifically address the condition. These programs produce a constant, gentle sound — often referred to as white noise — that masks the irritating symptoms when present during quieter moments or when the phantom noise is especially active. The feature can be turned on and off, and the level of sound can be adjusted via a smartphone app, allowing users to tailor the experience to their comfort throughout the day.
Testing and Treatment at Empire Hearing & Audiology
If you think you’re experiencing tinnitus, the first step is to visit one of our Empire Hearing & Audiology locations for a hearing test. Our experts will assess your hearing and determine if hearing aids could provide you with relief. By conducting thorough testing, we can identify the type and extent of your tinnitus and create a personalized management plan.
The Importance of Hearing Protection
In conjunction with hearing aids, protecting your ears from loud noises is essential. We offer various hearing protection products to prevent further damage to your hearing, whether at work or enjoying your favorite activities or hobbies in noisy environments. You’ll find plenty of choices at various price levels, from off-the-shelf disposable options to custom-made products.
Visit Us for Help With Tinnitus and Hearing Aids
Living with tinnitus can be a struggle, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at Empire Hearing & Audiology is dedicated to providing tinnitus relief to improve your quality of life. If you’re troubled by these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a free hearing test at one of our New York locations and discuss management options with a specialist. Together, we’ll work to find a path toward clearer hearing and tinnitus relief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a location near you.
