Healthy Hearing's gift guide for people with hearing loss and tinnitus

If you have a family member or friend with hearing loss or tinnitus there are plenty of gifts out there that can help offer them support as well as fit their unique lifestyle and personality. 

Check out our complete list compiled with help from our Healthy Hearing staff and expert hearing specialists!

For people with hearing loss

1. Hearing aid accessories for exercise

It’s important to keep hearing aids secure and dry at all times. This can sometimes prove to be tricky when running, playing sports or hiking. If your loved one is active a lot, hearing aid headbands and sweatbands from Ear Gear protect their hearing aids from sweat, moisture, wind, and dirt.

2. Hearing loss fashion accessories

Female-owned DeafMetal sells unique and expressive hearing aid jewelry for BTE-wearers who want to stand out from the crowd. Many of their products also do double duty by keeping hearing aids in place, known as "retention jewelry."

Depending on your loved one's sense of humor, they also may get a kick out of these funny hearing-loss-themed t-shirts that can bring a smile while raising awareness.

3. Waterproof case for hearing aids

A durable, waterproof hearing aid case can come in handy, especially if your loved one is active or travels a lot. One we particularly recommend is AidKeeper, built to withstand the elements.

4. Safety alarms and wearable technology

People with hearing loss, especially those who live alone, may benefit from alert devices like smoke alarms, doorbells or even wearable technology that use lights or vibrations in addition to sound to alert you to any potential dangers. Two companies in particular recommended by our Healthy Hearing staff are Diglo and SafeAwake.

5. Headphones to protect residual hearing

Even if someone already has hearing loss, it’s still important they protect residual hearing from further damage. Noise-canceling headphones are a great choice because they block out background noise, allowing users to listen to music or other audio at lower, safer volumes.

6. Hearing loss keychains for travel

Traveling can be hectic. People with hearing loss may have extra difficulty when it comes to communicating with travel authorities or flight attendants. In these situations, a hard-of-hearing keychain or product that signals you have hearing loss can reduce confusion and miscommunication. Kids and adults with severe or profound hearing loss also may want to consider wearing a medical ID bracelet, which can be made in a variety of colors and styles.

7. Gift certificates to quiet places

If you’re shopping for someone who loves to dine out, consider a gift card to local restaurants that are quieter and include features like plush drapes, carpets, low ceilings, and private spaces to reduce noise. If you haven’t visited a place to check its noise level, you can read online reviews or call the restaurant to ask if it offers a quieter environment suitable for diners who prefer less noise.

Related: 8 tips for dealing with restaurant noise when you wear hearing aids

Depending on your loved one’s interests it might also be a good idea to get them a gift card or membership to somewhere quiet, such as a local museum or botanical garden.

8. The book 'Hear & Beyond'

Booklovers interested in self-help topics will find a plethora of useful tips and relatable life experience in "Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully With Hearing Loss" by authors Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan. "We lay out our formula for getting past the internal debate to taking charge of your hearing loss life and living more skillfully with it," Eberts told Healthy Hearing. "Like we say in the book, 'the person with the most power in my hearing loss success is me.'"

9. For kids in particular: Books about hearing loss

Books on hearing loss and hearing aids help kids (or grandkids) learn to celebrate the differences in others. They also make great stocking stuffers and gifts. See our roundup of children's books about hearing loss.

For people with tinnitus 

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in one or both ears. It’s a common problem, affecting an estimated 50 million people in the US. For some, tinnitus comes and goes and is more of a minor annoyance, while others have persistent symptoms that can negatively impact their daily life. 

Thankfully there are a number of gift options that may help your loved ones with tinnitus reduce their symptoms. (It’s also worth noting that many people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, so some of the gifts above might be helpful as well.)

1. Sound therapy or white noise machines

Sound therapy and white noise can help many people manage tinnitus by masking the ringing in their ears. There are many available online and at major retail stores.

“Finding the right sound is highly individual,” says Dr. Patty Anderson, AuD at California Hearing Center. Look for apps and machines that offer various soundscapes and tones, so your loved one can find the sounds that work best for them. 

2. Stress relievers

“Stress management and relaxation are critical components of tinnitus management because stress and anxiety can significantly exacerbate the perception of tinnitus,” said Dr. Anderson. “By focusing on self-care, individuals can improve their anxiety, sleep, concentration, and emotional resilience.”

She recommended a variety of different gift options that could help your loved one relax including gift certificates for a massage or yoga class, scented candles or a subscription to a mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy app, such as Mahana Tinnitus. 

Related: Apps for tinnitus: My top picks

3. Cozy meal or relaxing getaway

Dr. Anderson also emphasizes that meaningful experiences, such as taking them out for a cozy meal or planning a relaxing getaway can provide both relief and the joy which can promote greater comfort.

"When selecting a gift for someone to help with their tinnitus, it’s essential to consider both the physical and emotional aspects of managing the condition,” said Dr. Anderson.“Tinnitus can be highly disruptive, so thoughtful gifts that focus on self-care and relief can be especially meaningful.”

Something to keep in mind

For some people, gifts related to hearing loss or tinnitus can feel considerate, especially if they’re useful or offer relief. However, others might feel self-conscious or prefer gifts unrelated to their condition. If you're uncertain, it’s often best to choose a general gift or ask gently if they’d appreciate something related to hearing care.

Finding help for hearing loss and tinnitus 

If you are experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, one of the best gifts you can give yourself is to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. Visit our directory to find a provider in your area and take the first step towards better hearing health in the new year.