Tinnitus is often described as ‘ringing in the ears’, but it’s the name for hearing any sound in your ears or head when there’s nothing outside your body that’s making that sound.

We have more information on tinnitus, how it’s diagnosed and how you can manage it.

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Devices and technology to help manage your tinnitus

If you have tinnitus, you may find the following devices helpful:

Tinnitus maskers

A portable table top device that plays a range of soothing sounds. Some can connect to headphones or speakers. 

Tinnitus apps

There are a variety of sound relaxation apps available that may help with your tinnitus. You can play these on your smartphone or through headphones and speakers. There are free and paid apps available for Apple, Android and other smartphone models. You can buy and download these from your smartphone app store. 

Sound pillows

A sound pillow is a speaker you can insert or put under a pillow. They can be helpful if you would like to listen to sounds to help you sleep. You can connect it to a tinnitus relaxer, your smartphone or any other device. 

There are also many relaxing soundscapes and tinnitus related videos on YouTube that you may find helpful. You can play these on your smartphone or through headphones and speakers.

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Price range

Devices for tinnitus can range from £5 for basic speakers to £70 for more advanced tinnitus maskers.

You may be able to get help paying for technology from:

• your local council’s sensory services team 
• your workplace, if you need technology to help you to work
• the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) scheme, if you are in post-18 education. 

Find out more about how to get help paying for technology.

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Where you can buy assistive devices

You can buy these devices from Connevans, one of the leading suppliers of hearing related assistive technology, through their online shop. We are working in partnership with Connevans to make sure you can buy all the equipment you may need.

There’s a broad range of equipment and assistive devices to help you stay independent and continue to enjoy the things you want to do.

Browse the Connevans online shop.

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What to do if you need extra support with tinnitus

If you’re finding it hard to manage your tinnitus, see your GP, who can help you get the support you need.

You can also talk through anything that’s troubling you by contacting us or a listening service.

Free 24-hour listening services

These services offer confidential advice from trained volunteers any time of day or night. They won’t be able to provide information about tinnitus, but you can talk about anything that’s troubling you.

Samaritans

Call 116 123 or email [email protected] for a reply within 24 hours

Shout Crisis Text Line

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

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Contact us

If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID.

We’re open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.