If you’re struggling with tinnitus, you’ve probably asked yourself:
Should I be using a tinnitus masker or a hearing aid?
"As a recent graduate who’s achieved stage four habituation, I cannot thank Treble Health enough for getting me to the finish line."
"As a recent graduate who’s achieved stage four habituation, I cannot thank Treble Health enough for getting me to the finish line."
– Louis
Book a free consultation to learn which Treble Health solution is right for you. Join Louis and thousands more who have found lasting tinnitus relief.
It’s a common — and important — question.
Both devices can offer relief, but they serve different purposes. The best option for you depends on your individual hearing profile, lifestyle, and how tinnitus impacts your daily life.
What’s Inside This Blog
- Why Clear Guidance Matters
- Hearing Aids for Tinnitus: A Surprising Solution
- What Are Tinnitus Maskers? Targeted Sound Therapy
- Making Your Choice: Which Option Is Right for You?
- Key Questions to Ask Yourself: Guiding Your Decision
- Your Next Step: Treble Health’s Approach to Relief
Why Clear Guidance Matters
As an audiologist and founder of Treble Health, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of tinnitus patients just like you.
One thing I’ve noticed time and again is that many people don’t receive clear guidance on whether a tinnitus masker or a hearing aid is the right choice for their specific needs.
So let’s break things down — simply and honestly — to help you better understand the tools available for managing tinnitus and make an informed decision.
A Surprising Solution
Most people naturally associate hearing aids with hearing loss — and for good reason.
But what many don’t realize is that hearing aids can also be a surprisingly powerful tool for managing tinnitus.
Here’s why:
When you have hearing loss, your brain receives less sound input from the world around you. This creates a quieter auditory environment, which can make the internal ringing or buzzing of tinnitus stand out even more.
Hearing aids help by amplifying external sounds — like speech and everyday background noise — which reduces the contrast between your tinnitus and silence. As a result, the internal noise often becomes far less noticeable.
And today’s hearing aids don’t stop there. Many modern models include built-in tinnitus features, such as gentle white noise or nature soundscapes designed to soothe and mask the perception of tinnitus.
For individuals dealing with both hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids are often the most effective “two-in-one” solution for relief.
What Are Tinnitus Maskers? Targeted Sound Therapy
Tinnitus maskers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for sound therapy.
These devices don’t amplify voices or correct hearing loss.
Instead, they play calming background sounds, like white noise, nature sounds or soft fractal tones, to blend with and diminish your perception of tinnitus.
It’s interesting to note that tinnitus maskers and hearing aids can look identical from the outside.
The key difference lies in their programming.
Tinnitus maskers are set purely for sound therapy, without any hearing amplification.
They are an excellent choice for people who have normal hearing but are bothered by disruptive tinnitus.
At Treble Health, we frequently recommend these dedicated sound therapy devices to patients whose primary concern is managing their tinnitus, rather than addressing hearing loss.
Which Option Is Right for You?
This is where the decision becomes truly personal for you.
- If you have even mild hearing loss and you’re dealing with tinnitus, a hearing aid with tinnitus features is usually the best starting point.
You’ll gain from clearer hearing in conversations and a reduction in the internal noise, making your daily life much more comfortable.
- If you don’t have measurable hearing loss but your tinnitus still interferes with your sleep, concentration, or peace of mind, a tinnitus masker may be a better fit.
These devices are discreet, comfortable to wear, and effective at creating a more pleasant listening environment, especially in quiet settings.
In both situations, the ultimate goal is the same- long term habituation.
This means gradually reducing your brain’s sensitivity to tinnitus over time, so that it becomes less noticeable to you, even if the sound itself never completely disappears.
This is one of the core tinnitus coping strategies.
Guiding Your Decision
When you’re weighing hearing aids versus tinnitus maskers, consider these important questions:
- Have you been diagnosed with hearing loss, even a mild one?
- Is your tinnitus more noticeable in quiet environments?
- Do you find it difficult to hear clearly in conversations or group settings?
- Have you tried sound therapy in the past, and how well did it work for you?
Answering these can help guide your next step toward tinnitus relief.
And if you’re still unsure, remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Treble Health’s Approach to Relief
At Treble Health, we offer free consultations to help you determine the best solution based on your unique needs.
Whether it’s a hearing aid, a tinnitus masker, or a combination of both, we’ll work with you to create a personalized tinnitus treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
The bottom line is simple
Tinnitus is manageable.
With the right tools and expert guidance, you can significantly reduce the impact it has on your life.
Thousands of our patients have experienced real progress, and you can, too.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a free consultation with audiologists at Treble Health today!
Tinnitus relief is closer than you think.
Next Step: Book Free Consultation
- 75% of patients reduced their tinnitus within three months after following our recommendations.
- "I feel like Treble Health literally gave me my life back." - Randy S. (verified customer)
- Join thousands of people who have reduced their tinnitus after scheduling a free consultation.
