Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2008 Nov;51(11):967-972.

The Effectiveness of the Hearing Aid in Hearing Loss with Tinnitus

• Lee YC
• Byun JY
• Shin IH
• Park MS

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hearing aids are commonly used to alleviate the effects of tinnitus. But the investigations for effectiveness of hearing aids on tinnitus gave variable results according to survey methods. We will determine the effects of the hearing aid on the perception of tinnitus using the THI (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) and investigate the relationships between THI & SADL (Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life) scale.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
THI score was assessed at pre-aid time and 4 weeks after fitting with the same inventory prospectively by 36 hearing impaired patients who reported tinnitus. Also, the SADL scale was completed at 4 weeks after fitting. The relationship between SADL score and THI benefit was evaluated.
RESULTS
Twenty-two of thirty six patients (61.1%) showed subjective beneficial effect of hearing aid on tinnitus. The use of hearing aid significantly reduced the tinnitus handicap score in all subclasses and total THI. The only positive effect in the subscale of SADL was related to the THI benefit statistically.
CONCLUSION
The hearing aid can provide relief from tinnitus associated with hearing loss and improve the subjective satisfaction of fitting.

Keyword

Hearing aids; Tinnitus; Satisfaction with amplification in daily life

MeSH Terms

Surveys and Questionnaires
Hearing
Hearing Aids
Hearing Loss
Humans
Prospective Studies
Tinnitus