The short answer, maybe. First, a little about tinnitus. Tinnitus is defined as the perception of ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears, without an external sound. Someone may experience tinnitus for a short time, like after attending a loud music concert, or it can be chronic. It can be barely noticeable or very bothersome. It is important to consult with an audiologist and undergo a complete hearing evaluation when someone develops tinnitus or experiences a significant increase in tinnitus. Tinnitus typically occurs in people hearing loss or significant noise exposure, but not always. Tinnitus can also be caused by ear infections, wax impaction, or other physical anomalies.
When someone with tinnitus is fit with prescription hearing aids there can be an immediate reduction in the tinnitus volume and some even find they can no longer hear the tinnitus while wearing the aids. Others, on the other hand, find no reduction in their tinnitus.
OTC hearing aids differ from prescription hearing aids in that they are not adjusted and verified by a hearing care professional. This can present create an issue if the physical fit or sound is not ideal. However, it seems reasonable that people with mild to moderate hearing loss, a high-quality OTC hearing aid may provide some tinnitus relief.
Related Posts
