The 5 Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus

The best hearing aids for tinnitus provide discretion as well as relief. See why brands like Phonak and Oticon, among others, made our list.

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A quick look at the best hearing aids for tinnitus

  • Best invisible hearing aids: Phonak Lyric | Skip to review
  • Best caregiver tools: Starkey Livio Edge AI | Skip to review
  • Best for listening to music: Oticon More | Skip to review
  • Best ready-to-wear hearing aids: Signia Silk X | Skip to review
  • Best for all environments: ReSound ONE | Skip to review
  • 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.

    A note on price

    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
  • Healthline’s picks for the best hearing aids for tinnitus

    Best invisible hearing aids

    Phonak Lyric Hearing Aid

    Phonak Lyric Hearing Aid
  • Features: uses your natural ear anatomy to generate natural sound, 24/7 tinnitus relief
  • Style of fit: in-the-canal
  • Price: $ (varies by provider and geographic location)
  • SHOP NOW AT PHONAK

    Healthline's review

    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 1 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 & cons

  • address tinnitus 24/7, including overnight when sounds may be most bothersome
  • completely invisible design
  • no need to change or recharge batteries
  • can’t be worn underwater (showering is OK)
  • may not be comfortable for people with short or narrow ear canals
  • no Bluetooth connectivity for streaming
  • address tinnitus 24/7, including overnight when sounds may be most bothersome
  • completely invisible design
  • no need to change or recharge batteries
  • can’t be worn underwater (showering is OK)
  • may not be comfortable for people with short or narrow ear canals
  • no Bluetooth connectivity for streaming
  • Product details

  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: no batteries required; hearing aids remain in the ear for months at a time, and duration varies from person to person
  • Trial period: based on purchase source
  • Warranty: varies locally; 1 year limited international warranty at date of purchase
  • Availability: prescription; find a provider
  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: no batteries required; hearing aids remain in the ear for months at a time, and duration varies from person to person
  • Trial period: based on purchase source
  • Warranty: varies locally; 1 year limited international warranty at date of purchase
  • Availability: prescription; find a provider
  • Best caregiver tools

    Starkey Livio Edge AI Hearing Aid

    4.2 (11+) from ZipHearing
  • Features: AI-powered speech enhancement; boosts speech sounds; has fall detection and alerts, language translation, virtual assistance, find my hearing aids, Thrive app for caregivers
  • Style of fit: behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, receiver-in-canal
  • Price: $$
  • SHOP NOW AT ZIPHEARING

    Healthline's review

    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 & cons

  • use masking sound therapy to reduce the impact of tinnitus sounds
  • include a caregiver app that alerts a contact about falls
  • artificial intelligence (AI) provides rich sound and enhanced speech audibility
  • can be expensive
  • long-term warranties must be purchased
  • certain Android devices require a remote microphone
  • use masking sound therapy to reduce the impact of tinnitus sounds
  • include a caregiver app that alerts a contact about falls
  • artificial intelligence (AI) provides rich sound and enhanced speech audibility
  • can be expensive
  • long-term warranties must be purchased
  • certain Android devices require a remote microphone
  • Product details

  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: rechargeable (17–20 hours), disposable (3–7 days)
  • Trial period: 30 days
  • Warranty: flexible warranty
  • Availability: prescription
  • Returns: full refund within 30 days
  • Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: rechargeable (17–20 hours), disposable (3–7 days)
  • Trial period: 30 days
  • Warranty: flexible warranty
  • Availability: prescription
  • Returns: full refund within 30 days
  • Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
  • Best for listening to music

    Oticon More Hearing Aids

    4.7 (90+) from ZipHearingOticon More Hearing Aids
  • Features: tinnitus relief, no-wait custom fit, Bluetooth compatibility, telecare remote support
  • Style of fit: behind-the-ear
  • Price: $$
  • SHOP NOW AT ZIPHEARING

    Healthline's review

    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 & cons

  • rich, crystal clear sound
  • sound-masking for tinnitus relief
  • telecoil is available in some styles
  • price is based on seller and geographic location
  • less discreet than some smaller hearing aids
  • rich, crystal clear sound
  • sound-masking for tinnitus relief
  • telecoil is available in some styles
  • price is based on seller and geographic location
  • less discreet than some smaller hearing aids
  • Product details

  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: disposable (up to 7 days)
  • Trial period: available
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Availability: prescription
  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: disposable (up to 7 days)
  • Trial period: available
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Availability: prescription
  • Best ready to wear hearing aids

    Signia Silk X Hearing Aid

    4.9 (6+) from ZIPHEARINGSignia Silk X Hearing Aid
  • Features: tinnitus relief app, Bluetooth-enabled streaming, hands-free calling from any smartphone
  • Style of fit: completely-in-canal
  • Price: $
  • SHOP NOW AT SIGNIA

    Healthline's review

    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 & cons

  • discreet and nearly invisible design
  • no waiting period
  • professional telecare remote support available through Signia app
  • can’t be purchased online
  • prices may vary, based on seller and geographic location
  • discreet and nearly invisible design
  • no waiting period
  • professional telecare remote support available through Signia app
  • can’t be purchased online
  • prices may vary, based on seller and geographic location
  • Product details

  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: rechargeable (24 hours)
  • Trial period: available
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Availability: prescription
  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: rechargeable (24 hours)
  • Trial period: available
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Availability: prescription
  • Best for all environments

    ReSound ONE Hearing Aid

    4.6 (13+) from ZIPHEARING
  • Features: a microphone and receiver are in the ear to generate natural sound, including the sound of your own voice; directional sound identification supports one-to-one conversations in noisy environments; supports speech clarity in windy environments
  • Style of fit: receiver-in-the ear
  • Price: $
  • SHOP NOW AT ZIPHEARING

    Healthline's review

    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 & cons

  • live video calls with your hearing professional
  • in-ear design provides hearing directionality
  • online hearing test is available
  • tinnitus relief requires use of an app
  • price, warranty, and trial period vary by seller
  • live video calls with your hearing professional
  • in-ear design provides hearing directionality
  • online hearing test is available
  • tinnitus relief requires use of an app
  • price, warranty, and trial period vary by seller
  • Product details

  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: rechargeable (25 hours)
  • Trial period: based on purchase source
  • Warranty: 1–4 years
  • Availability: prescription
  • Accepts insurance: based on purchase source
  • Battery life: rechargeable (25 hours)
  • Trial period: based on purchase source
  • Warranty: 1–4 years
  • Availability: prescription
  • How our top picks compare

    BrandPriceTypeTrial periodWarranty length
    Phonak Lyric$extended wear, completely invisible in canal30 daysnew devices are provided as needed
    Starkey Livio Edge AI$$in the ear or behind the ear30 days30 days, longer packages sold separately
    Oticon More$$receiver in ear, mini receiver in ear, behind the ear, mini behind the earvaries by seller12 months
    Signia Silk X$completely in canal30–90 days, based on seller1 year
    ReSound ONE$receiver in earnone offered by company, some sellers may offer a trial period1 year

    How we chose hearing aids for tinnitus

    When selecting hearing aids for our list, we considered the following factors:

  • 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.
  • Internal vetting: We put each brand and product through our comprehensive vetting process to ensure that each met our business practice standards.
  • Price: We were mindful to select quality products that touched a range of price points to serve a wide range of users.
  • FDA registration: Each hearing aid is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device.
  • Technology: Each product uses 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: We made selections that come in a variety of styles, including behind the ear and in the ear.
  • Can hearing aids help tinnitus?

    Clinical evidence indicates that hearing aids provide several benefits for people with tinnitus.

  • 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.

    What to look for when choosing hearing aids for tinnitus

    When choosing your own hearing aid for tinnitus, consider the following:

  • Type/style: Obviously, you want to make sure the hearing aid will fit the shape of your ear and that it will be comfortable for you. Even if you’re pretty sure about the style that you prefer, try it out before purchasing, if possible. If trying it out isn’t possible, be sure that the hearing aid you choose offers a trial period in case you need to make a change later.
  • Additional features: Even if the hearing aid options you’re considering will likely promise to feature technology that relieves tinnitus, keep a look out for any additional benefits they offer. These could include discreet design, water use, or specific app compatibility.
  • Changes in price: Most hearing aids will give a general price range, but many final price points will depend on geography or who the vendor is. Take this into account when you’re establishing a budget and considering any additional treatment costs.
  • Warranty: Coverage for your valuables is important — especially for something you’re investing in to give you some assistance. Consider what brands are offering regarding warranties for hearing aids and if you’re comfortable with the time window.
  • 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.

    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).

    Frequently asked questions

    Can hearing aids really help with tinnitus?

    Hearing aids don’t cure hearing loss, but they do significantly restore the hearing ability for most people who use them. The same can be said for those using hearing aids to assist with tinnitus.

    Your degree of hearing loss along with the fit and quality of your hearing aids will have an effect on the results.

    Do I need to see a health professional to get a hearing aid for tinnitus?

    It may not be a requirement, but 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 use their advice to decide which hearing aids, prescription or nonprescription, will be best for you.

    Can over-the-counter hearing aids help with tinnitus?

    While OTC hearing aids can help people over 18 who have hearing loss, they aren’t specifically designed for tinnitus. For instance, OTC hearing aids may not come with a tinnitus sound generator feature such as white noise to help provide relief.

    What sound is best for blocking tinnitus?

    Sound therapy — which includes a range of nature sounds and ambient noises — is a key method for treating tinnitus, but research suggests that white noise tends to work best.

    Besides managing tinnitus, what is another possible benefit of getting a hearing aid?

    If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can significantly improve your quality of life. Hearing loss has been linked to dementia, especially for people ages 45 to 64. Living with hearing loss may stop you from participating in social and educational activities.

    If cost is an issue, keep in mind that more and more affordable hearing aids are coming onto the market.

    Takeaway

    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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