How are Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Connected?

Although it’s not always the case, the vast majority of people who experience tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. So, if you are asking the question whether hearing loss and tinnitus are connected, the answer is yes! That being the case, let’s take a deeper look at how exactly hearing loss and tinnitus are connected.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Tinnitus and hearing loss are closely linked, often occurring together. When a person experiences hearing loss, the brain receives less auditory input than it’s used to. This reduction in sound can lead to changes in how the brain processes what it hears, sometimes resulting in the perception of phantom sounds like ringing, buzzing or humming, known as tinnitus. Essentially, the brain tries to compensate for the lack of sound, which can trigger these tinnitus symptoms.

Understanding the Mechanism

Typically, hearing loss involves some level of damage to the hair cells located in the inner ear. These hair cells help sound waves to be converted into electrical signals which are then interpreted as sound by the brain. As you can imagine, damage to these cells, whether due to loud noise exposure or old age, can cause those signals to lessen in volume and the brain will then fill in the gaps with phantom sounds, which is known as tinnitus.

Auditory Deprivation

It suggests that tinnitus might be the brain’s way of compensating for the loss of normal auditory inputs. The brain’s increased sensitivity to this lack of input can manifest as tinnitus, making the symptoms more noticeable in quieter environments or during the night.

What an Audiologist Can Do for You

Given the close relationship between hearing loss and tinnitus, audiologists play a crucial role in managing both of these auditory issues. Here’s how they can help.

Hearing Assessments

The first step in managing hearing loss and tinnitus is a thorough hearing assessment. An audiologist will conduct various tests to determine the extent of hearing loss and the specific characteristics of your tinnitus.

Hearing Aids with Masking Features

For many patients, hearing aids are a fundamental aspect of treatment. Modern hearing aids not only enhance hearing but can also include tinnitus masking features. These features generate a steady, gentle sound that can help distract the brain from the tinnitus.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

Tinnitus retraining therapy combines sound therapy with educational counseling. This method aims to help individuals retrain the way their brain perceives tinnitus, thereby reducing its impact.

Sound Therapy

Using external sounds to reduce the perception of tinnitus, sound therapy can be implemented using specialized machines that produce white noise, nature sounds or other ambient noises.

Dealing with Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Since hearing loss and tinnitus are often connected in some way, the first step to managing these issues effectively is understanding this link as best you can. They can also help you to find coping strategies that will help you to live a better quality of life going forward, and fit hearing aids with a masking feature. If you want to learn more about tinnitus or hearing loss, schedule an appointment.