Hearing aids: Are there affordable hearing aids for people with tinnitus and low income?

Struggling with tinnitus that causes headaches and nausea is already difficult enough but worrying about the affordability of aids adds additional stress. Here are some devices, outside of having to purchase an expensive hearing aid, you might want to explore:

Environmental and behavioural changes

• You may want to explore using headphones, television, radio, or even a fan to create soothing background noises sightly louder than your tinnitus. For further information, see this WebMD article on what you can do at home to reduce tinnitus’s impact.
• The National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) workbook on how to address tinnitus guides you step-by-step through using sound to manage tinnitus, managing emotional reactions to tinnitus, and protecting your ears from further stress.
• The my Noise website is a free website that offers sound sliders to customize any background sound to your liking. If you are comfortable using smartphones, the website also offers a free app version of the sound generator for both Android and iPhone smartphones.
• The Resound App offers a combination of sound therapy, relaxing exercises, meditation, and guidance to help alleviate the impact of tinnitus. Most features are free within the app, except for a customized relief plan for a monthly subscription of around $9 (USD). If you are comfortable using smartphones, the mobile app is available for both Android and iPhone smartphones.

Sound generators

Another option to explore is sound-masking devices. These devices provide a pleasant external noise that can help drown out the internal sound of tinnitus. For masking tinnitus specifically, white noise is more effective than nature sounds. Many types of devices are available, from tabletop sound machines to small devices that you can carry around with you.

• LectroFan Noise & Fan Machine (at BestBuy) offers 20 different sounds, precise volume control, and the convenience of a built-in timer with 60, 120, and 180-minute settings. The product costs around $50 (CDN).
• LectroFan Micro2 Bluetooth Sleep Machine (at Amazon Canada) is a portable noise machine; however, it requires a connection to a smartphone. It has 11 built-in, non-repeating digital sounds, including five fan sounds, four white, pink, and brown noise variations, and two ocean surf sounds. The product costs around $50 (CDN).
• Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine (at yogasleep.com) is a fan-based natural white noise machine with two-speed options for adjustable tone and volume. The product costs around $50 (USD), plus additional shipping costs. Dohm has been developing sound machines since 1962.
• HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine (at Amazon Canada) has seven digitally recorded sounds: White noise, thunder, ocean, rain, summer Night, and brook. The product costs $25 to $30 (CDN), plus additional import and shipping fees.

Mobile sound generators

Mobile sound generators are generally much more expensive than stationary products but offer the convenience of travelling with the devices. Before considering these products, you will need to talk to your doctor or audiologist to determine if these products are right for you.

• The Sound Oasis Miniature Sound Machine by Puretone offers over 150 unique sounds and has a battery life of 15 hours. Around 24 different doctors helped develop soundtracks for this device. The product costs around £65 (GBP), plus additional import and shipping fees.
• The Puretone MM2 White Noise Generator emits continuous white noise, ideal for high-pitched tinnitus masking. The noise generator is discrete and doesn’t go as far into the ear canal, making it more comfortable for some. The product costs around £200 (GBP) per earpiece, plus additional import and shipping fees.
• The Sueno Pro S – Graphite by Puretone has three background noise options and a battery life of 120 hours. The product costs around £350 (GBP) per earpiece, plus additional import and shipping fees. Because this device goes deeper into the ear canal, it is advised to work with a doctor for fitting.

Hearing aids

While many hearing aid brands offer tinnitus relief, they are financially inaccessible for lower-income people. However, if you want to explore hearing aids, here are some organizations to consider:

• The Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides older, donated, and refurbished hearing aids at a reduced cost, although supply is often limited. For a nominal fee of $140 (CDN), an individual under the Lend An Ear Program can receive a hearing test, a permanent loan of one hearing aid, an earmold, and one year of repair service. For more information call: 604-736-7391 or email: info@wavefrontcentre.ca.
• Another way to find out if you qualify to receive hearing aids assistance is to contact a local Lions club. Lions Club offers members and non-members in need access to available funding for hearing aids. Use this locator to find a Lions Club near you.
• The BC211 is an organization that specializes in providing information and recommendations regarding community, government, and social services in BC. Their resources include information on health care and financial assistance services.
• The HealthLink BC provides access to non-emergency health information and advice in BC 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
• Our Financial aid for equipment page lists additional resources you might want to explore.