Will wearing earplugs help with my tinnitus?

Sometimes wearing earplugs can help tinnitus, but sometimes they can make your tinnitus worse. Talking to a hearing specialist and having a hearing and tinnitus assessment are important. W

It depends on when and how you use them.  

Earplugs are essential in loud environments, such as concerts, while using power tools for DIY at home, or when using heavy machinery. Protecting your ears from loud sounds reduces your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and can prevent your tinnitus from getting worse.  

However, some people find that wearing earplugs in quiet environments can worsen their tinnitus. That’s because when you block out everyday background noise, the sound of your tinnitus can seem louder because there’s nothing else for your brain to focus on. This is the main reason why many people notice their tinnitus more when they’re going to sleep at night.  

Tinnitus is closely linked to how your brain processes sound, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your symptoms. However, working with an audiologist who understands you and your needs will ensure you get the best possible results from your treatment plan.

If you wear hearing aids, it’s worth reading about hearing aids making tinnitus worse.