Tinnitus ("TIN-a-tus" or "Tin-EYE-tus") is commonly described as "ringing in the ears".
Currently, 85% of patients with tinnitus have a hearing loss. Manufacturers of hearing aids such as Signia and Phonak have released products that provide therapy for tinnitus. The circuit in each model of hearing aid includes a variety of white noise, pink noise, or "Zen" noise. Activated by the audiologist, the customized sounds are mixed into the hearing aid at a loudness level that attenuates the tinnitus and amplifies speech. Over time (six to eighteen months) the user reports diminished perception of tinnitus (the perceived volume level of the tinnitus begins to lessen). A control can be provided to change the ratio of the tinnitus noise to the gain of the hearing aid for those who report fluctuating tinnitus.
Below are links to several hearing aids that feature tinnitus therapy:
For individuals with hyperacusis, devices are programmed to systematically increase tolerance to sounds. More than 90% of individuals are helped with this strategy.