Some headphones may increase tinnitus symptoms, while others may reduce them. It’s best to talk with a doctor to get a custom recommendation for your needs.

Tinnitus is a hearing condition that causes symptoms such as a ringing or humming sound in the ear. It’s often associated with exposure to loud noises.

Properly using headphones isn’t typically linked with worsening tinnitus symptoms. Some people can even benefit from wearing noise-canceling headphones.

However, not everyone with tinnitus experiences reduced symptoms while using noise-canceling headphones, and they’re not a good choice for everyone.

Using headphones and earbuds is sometimes linked to ear damage and hearing loss.

According to a 2021 study that included 532 middle and high school students, extended headphone use can cause hearing difficulty, especially if headphones are used at high volume. Hearing loss is strongly linked to tinnitus.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use headphones when you have tinnitus.

Headphone use isn’t typically linked to increased tinnitus symptoms, although some people with tinnitus report difficulty or worsened symptoms when using headphones. Listening at a lower volume and finding comfortable headphones can help.

Some evidence suggests that noise-canceling headphones can help manage tinnitus symptoms. This is typically because they use active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC helps block out external noise by using built-in microphones that capture outside noises and generate an anti-noise wave to counteract those outside noises.

Noise-canceling headphones and earbuds also feature cushioning to block sounds. This sound blockage can reduce stress on the ears and can create a controlled listening experience. As a result, people are often less aware of tinnitus symptoms.

Not everyone with tinnitus experiences symptom relief while wearing noise-canceling headphones. In some cases, listening volumes are still too high, which could lead to worse tinnitus symptoms.

If you have tinnitus, it can help to talk with your doctor or auditory professional about noise-canceling headphones before making a purchase. They can help you decide whether they’re a good choice for you.

There are thousands of headphones and earbuds on the market. Shopping can be overwhelming, especially if you have a hearing-related condition, such as tinnitus.

Some headphones are designed with tinnitus and other hearing issues in mind. These options include:

  • Sound headbands: Sound headbands are worn around your head rather than directly over your ear, like traditional headphones, or in your ear, like earbuds. Sound headbands can reduce damage to the ear canal. They’re often designed for sleep or exercise. Brands such as SleepPhones are aimed at people with tinnitus.
  • Lightweight noise-canceling headphones: Lightweight headphones may be more comfortable than other models, making them a good choice for people with tinnitus.
  • Wireless earbuds: Noise-canceling wireless earbuds can double as earplugs, reducing symptoms for some people with tinnitus.

As a rule, audiologists recommend over-ear headphones for most people. This is because they don’t funnel sound directly into your eardrum and can often be used at a lower volume. Additionally, over-ear headphones are typically more comfortable.

It’s best to consider factors such as your lifestyle, preferences, and tinnitus symptoms when you’re shopping for headphones. The benefits of headphones aren’t the same for everyone with tinnitus, and you might find that different headphone models offer different levels of symptom reduction. Your doctor can offer suggestions.

Tinnitus can cause a ringing or humming sound in the ears. Some people find that wearing noise-canceling headphones can help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus. However, some people experience worse tinnitus while using headphones.

Your doctor can help you determine whether noise-canceling headphones are a good choice for you.