What helps tinnitus may not always be clear at first. Many people try different tools or supplements with little success. Even biohacker Bryan Johnson, known for his intense anti-aging protocols, admitted that hearing loss remains one of his biggest health challenges despite his efforts to improve nearly every other function in his body.
Bryan Johnson and the Hearing Loss Dilemma
What Led to His Hearing Issues
In a recent podcast interview, Johnson shared that his left ear tested at a biological age of 64. He believes the damage began in childhood due to repeated exposure to loud noises like gunshots and music. Despite using a professional hearing system and noise-monitoring apps today, the damage has not reversed.
"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.
The Struggle with Tinnitus and Aging
Although Johnson has slowed the aging of other organs, he stated there has been no improvement in his hearing. His story reflects what many people experience with tinnitus. Even with optimal health routines, tinnitus often remains difficult to manage without targeted support.
Why Tinnitus Is More Than Just a Ringing Sound
A Closer Look at Tinnitus
Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound in the absence of an external source. This can include ringing, buzzing, or hissing. For many, it is linked to hearing loss, noise damage, or changes in the auditory system.
Hearing as a Biomarker of Aging
The Blueprint website and other official resources do not list hearing as a top concern. However, audiologists and aging experts agree that hearing loss is a key sign of biological aging. It can affect brain function, social interaction, and overall well-being.
What Helps Tinnitus According to Clinical Research
Sound Therapy
One of the most studied treatments for tinnitus is sound therapy. This involves using background noise to help reduce awareness of the tinnitus. White noise machines, nature sounds, and personalized masking tones are commonly used. When applied consistently, many people report better sleep and reduced stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps reduce the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus. It teaches coping strategies that shift how patients respond to the sound. According to clinical trials, CBT is effective in reducing the distress associated with tinnitus.
Hearing Aids
Tinnitus often coexists with hearing loss. By improving the ear’s ability to detect real-world sounds, hearing aids reduce the brain’s focus on the phantom noise. Many modern devices come with built-in tinnitus masking features and customizable sound settings.
How Lifestyle Changes Can Help Tinnitus
Daily Habits That Support Hearing
Many factors can make tinnitus worse. Avoiding loud noise, managing stress, improving sleep, and limiting alcohol or caffeine are simple steps that often lead to progress. Johnson now monitors his environment using a decibel app to avoid harmful sound levels, a strategy we recommend for anyone managing tinnitus.
Cardiovascular Health and Hearing
Poor blood circulation can affect the inner ear. Conditions like high blood pressure or atherosclerosis may speed up hearing decline. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle helps maintain adequate blood flow to the auditory system and may reduce tinnitus severity.
Tinnitus and Brain Health Are Closely Connected
The Cognitive Impact of Hearing Loss
Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that hearing loss is independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline and an increased risk for incident cognitive impairment in older adults. Specifically, individuals with baseline hearing loss experienced faster rates of decline in cognitive test scores and had a 24% increased risk for incident cognitive impairment compared to those with normal hearing. When the brain has to work harder to interpret distorted sound, it uses more mental energy, potentially leading to fatigue and memory strain.
Mental Health and Social Isolation
A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that tinnitus and hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression. Difficulty following conversations causes people to withdraw, which impacts mood and overall quality of life.
What We Know About Reversing Hearing Loss
Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
Currently, there is no clinically proven treatment that regenerates damaged inner ear hair cells in humans to restore hearing. This aligns with the experience of Bryan Johnson’s team, who, despite exploring various advanced therapies including early stem cell research, have not found success in reversing his hearing loss. In the audiology field, it is widely understood that once these delicate sensory hair cells are lost or damaged, their recovery through regenerative means remains a significant challenge.
How We Can Still Improve Hearing Function
While the reversal of sensorineural hearing loss is not yet possible, interventions can significantly improve hearing function and manage associated symptoms like tinnitus. Utilizing modern hearing aids, consistently protecting your ears from loud noise, and proactively addressing underlying health conditions can help preserve remaining hearing, reduce symptom impact, and enhance overall daily communication and quality of life.
Tinnitus as a Marker That Deserves More Attention
Why Early Testing Matters
Audiometric testing provides a measurable view of how your hearing is aging. A test can detect subtle changes before they become disruptive. If you are over 50 or have noise exposure in your history, regular hearing check-ups are recommended.
Tinnitus and Anti-Aging Goals
Bryan Johnson’s experience highlights an important idea. Even the most advanced anti-aging systems may fall short when it comes to hearing. But that also creates an opportunity. Treating tinnitus is not about perfection. It is about protecting one of the most important senses we have.
Your Path to Managing Tinnitus Sound Starts Here
Tinnitus may seem unpredictable, but it often follows patterns that can be addressed with the right approach. From avoiding loud environments to managing stress and sleep, small daily choices can reduce the intensity of the tinnitus sound over time.
At Treble Health, our audiologists specialize in helping individuals identify and correct the habits that make tinnitus worse. Using evidence-based strategies and personalized care, we support patients in finding long-term relief without guesswork or frustration.
If your tinnitus is becoming more distracting, affecting your focus or your sleep, do not wait! The sooner you begin working with a tinnitus-trained audiologist, the sooner you can take back control.
Explore the resources above or schedule a consultation with Treble Health to start your personalized plan. The changes may be simple, but the impact can be life-changing.
Sources
- Bryan Johnson’s Protocol Blueprint
- On Purpose Podcast with Bryan Johnson
- Bryan Johnson YouTube Interview
- NIH Presbycusis Overview
- PMC on Hearing Loss and Depression
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.
