- What are the best headphones for preventing tinnitus?
- Can headphones cause tinnitus?
- Also, check out our guide on how to effectively prevent tinnitus
For music lovers suffering from tinnitus, noise-canceling headphones have emerged as the best possible option that allows for a safe and enjoyable listening experience.
Tinnitus can be a very common issue for those that work in the music and sound industry. These users could be anyone from musicians and sound engineers to playlists or score mixers.
Although there is not yet a complete cure for tinnitus, the noise-canceling properties can help to lessen the symptoms of the condition.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 9 best noise-canceling headphones for users with tinnitus.
Tinnitus Explained
Tinnitus is a medical condition that occurs when we hear obstructive noises within our ear canal that don’t necessarily correlate with the outside world.
Almost everyone is subject to a faint form of tinnitus. When you place yourself in a quiet, empty space, you should still hear some form of low hum or buzz within your ear.
Tinnitus is the extreme version of this sensation and can be caused by one of three factors:
- Natural hearing loss from aging
- An underlying condition such as cold or infection, or injury
- A possible indication of an underlying circulation issue
For a more in-depth overview of tinnitus, check out our post on what causes tinnitus.
Which Are The Best Headphones For Tinnitus?
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Noise-canceling
- Great sound quality
- Amazing battery life
- Panasonic RP-HC800
- Advanced Noise-cancelling technology
- Universal design
- Ideal for on-the-go use
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
- Great sound
- Strong build quality
- Super flat frequency response
Sony’s intelligent industry-leading noise-canceling headphones with premium sound elevate your listening experience with the ability to personalize and control everything you hear.
Enjoy high-quality sound without disturbance from the outside world with Panasonic’s RP-HC56-K Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response.
There are no headphones that can directly solve tinnitus. People that experience this issue can seek medical attention and find the necessary treatment.
Some headphones can reduce the symptoms or lower the risk of the onset of tinnitus.
These headphones all possess noise-canceling properties to help isolate the ear for a safer, clearer audio playback.
We’ve made a shortlist of the best noise-canceling headphones for people with tinnitus below:
- Sony WH1000 XM4 (Our Pick)
- Panasonic RP-HC800 (Best Value)
- Audio Technica ATH – M50x (Most Comfortable)
- Sennheiser 450 BT
- Sony WF1000 XM4
- OneOdio A30
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
- Soundcore by Anker Life Q35
- Urbanista Los Angeles
1. Sony WH1000 XM4
Sony’s intelligent industry-leading noise-canceling headphones with premium sound elevate your listening experience with the ability to personalize and control everything you hear.
- Noise-canceling
- Great sound quality
- Amazing battery life
- Price: +- $350
- Driver Diameter: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 4Hz- 40kHz
- Weight: 253g
The Sony WH1000 XM4 not only delivers some incredible isolation capabilities, but they also come with a ton of useful features that make listening to a dream.
Users are treated to an intuitive Touchpad control system on the side of the headset, which means no faulty or worn buttons after frequent use.
These headphones also come with hands-free calling function for mobile phones, as well as proximity sensors that turn the headphones off automatically once you’re a few meters away.
With all its bells and whistles, the WH 1000XM4’s also shine on the sound quality end.
These headphones deliver a crystal clear stereo image without any sharp peaks across the frequency response. We highly recommended these headphones for anyone suffering from severe tinnitus.
2. Panasonic RP-HC800
Enjoy high-quality sound without disturbance from the outside world with Panasonic’s RP-HC56-K Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
- Advanced Noise-cancelling technology
- Universal design
- Ideal for on-the-go use
- Price: $89
- Driver Diameter: 40mm
- Impedance: 19 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 25kHz
- Weight: 247 g
The Panasonic RP-HC800’s come with a reasonable, accessible price tag that allows a wider spectrum of tinnitus sufferers to enjoy a comfortable listening experience.
The headset comes with a highly universal design that should adjust to most head shapes and sizes, along with some smooth polyurethane ear pads that are dust and moisture-proof.
The RP HC 800’s have a highly efficient noise-canceling design, but offer a slightly narrower frequency response than other headphone models, particularly around the low end.
This makes them a secondary choice for anyone that enjoys bass-heavy music or requires strong low-end for mixing.
The headphones offer a wireless mode that is powered by AAA batteries. Certain users may opt for headphones that come with a charging function to save energy costs.
3. Audio-Technica ATH- M50 X
Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response.
- Great sound
- Strong build quality
- Super flat frequency response
- Price: $169
- Driver Diameter: 45mm
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Frequency Response: 15 – 28kHz
- Weight: 285g
Audio Technica’s ATH – M50X is one of their premium models and has the best noise-canceling properties in their range.
The headphones come with a set of detachable audio cables that plug into a jack input on the side of the headset.
These headphones have a comfortable fit, and relatively even frequency response, so they’re a safe option for anyone with tinnitus.
These Audio Technica headphones also come in a collapsible design which makes them a great option for use during travel.
4. Sennheiser 450 BT
Thanks to a winning combination of superior sound quality, advanced Bluetooth technology, and an excellent 30- hour battery life, this versatile wireless headset is a companion for enjoying better audio at home or on the move.
- Stunning stereo image
- Unparalleled sound quality
- Advanced Bluetooth technology
- Price: $199
- Driver Diameter: 32mm
- Impedance: 490 Ohm
- Frequency Response 18 HZ – 22kHZ
- Weight: 238gm
The Sennheiser 450 BT provides a stunning stereo image and nearly unparalleled sound quality without increasing the risk or symptoms of tinnitus.
These headphones come with an incredibly powerful driver system that still delivers a silky frequency response without any abrasive peaks.
The Sennheiser 450 BT’s design allows for long periods of use without placing unnecessary strain or tension on the ear canal.
5. Sony WF-1000XM4/B
Thanks to specially designed 6mm drivers, these in-ear headphones reproduce a dynamic sound despite their small size, and the high compliance diaphragm reproduces a rich bass range.
- Crystal-clear audio quality
- Water-resistant
- 8 hours of battery life
- Price: $278
- Driver Diameter – 6mm
- Frequency Response 20 Hz– 20 kHz
- Weight: 297g
For anyone that prefers the feel and performance of in-ear style headphones, the WF 1000XM4/B is a wonderful compromise.
The ergonomics behind the design create a comfortable chamber within the ear for optimum noise cancellation.
These wireless headphones give up to 8 hours of battery life, which make them a great option for activities such as running, climbing, or hiking.
These headphones are not likely to aggravate any symptoms of tinnitus, though they may have some sound performance limitations from their minimal driver design.
6. OneOdio A30
With OneOdio, you hear the sound that you should hear, the bass, the detail, the dynamics. And most importantly. you feel the power of music.
- One of the best-kept secrets
- Cheap
- Impressive 30 hours of battery life
- Price: $65
- Driver Diameter:40mm
- Impedance: 39 Ohm
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Not everyone can afford top-shelf headphones to help keep their tinnitus symptoms at bay.
Thankfully there are a few headphones for those with budget restraints that do provide a reliable balance of protection and performance.
The A30s by Onedio are probably one of the best-kept secrets on the current market and deliver a surprising amount of power and comfort for their asking price.
These headphones come with active noise canceling properties that efficiently diffuse outside noise for an isolated listening experience.
The A30’s also come with Bluetooth connectivity and offer an impressive 30 hours of battery life.
7. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Galaxy Buds2 earbuds take your passion for music to new heights with a booming sound that makes you feel like you're on stage with your favorite band.
- Slick driver design
- Innovative noise canceling
- They sound great
- Price: $158
- Driver Diameter: 11mm and 6.5 mm
- Frequency Response
- Weight: 5g
A special mention needs to go to the Samsung Galaxy buds for their innovative noise canceling design.
The Galaxy 2 earbuds use microphones in either earpiece to detect ambient noise around the user and use active noise-canceling technology to diffuse sounds around the listener.
The slick driver design of the Galaxy also features a slightly left-field speaker system, incorporating two independent drivers for treble and bass, instead of a single speaker for playback.
Some users may argue that this driver design creates a better signal response for tinnitus sufferers, as the overall signal response is slightly less distorted.
These earbuds offer up to 15 hours of battery life and can be charged using their storage carry case.
8. Soundcore by Anker Life Q35
Listen all day long without worrying about running out of battery with Soundcore by Anker Life's Q35 headphones.
- Feature custom silk-diaphragm drivers
- Targeted Noise Cancelling
- Precise sound
- Price: $129
- Driver Diameter: 40mm
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 16 Hz – 40 kHz
- Weight: 272g
Certain headphones users may require something that has a more functional than recreational purpose.
The headphones are a fairly new addition to the current market and so far, have received a positive response from users who experience tinnitus.
These headphones offer a relatively reliable sound quality that may be too weak for more intensive music listeners such as producers or sound engineers.
The Life Q35’s come with wireless functionality and can pair with the headphone’s personalized app for control from a laptop or mobile device.
The app also allows you to pair with more than one device simultaneously, and users have 3 noise cancellation modes to choose from: Indoor, Outdoor, and Transport.
Tinnitus has variable degrees of symptoms in each patient, so it helps that the Q35s have a healthy variety of noise-canceling modes.
New To DJ’ing? Check out our article on the 7 Best DJ Headphones For Beginners!
9. Urbanista Los Angeles
Welcome to the dawn of a new era with Urbanista Los Angeles' Solar Powered Sound by with infinite playtime.
- World's first self-charging wireless headphones
- Eco-friendly (solar-powered)
- Comfortable
- Price: $199
- Driver Diameter: 40mm
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
In the modern age, it’s become increasingly important to monitor our carbon footprint, especially from a manufacturing perspective.
The Urbanista Los Angeles headphones are one of the first eco-friendly headphone models that carry noise-canceling properties.
These headphones are solar-powered but deliver competitive power and performance compared to conventional models. Users can also charge their headphones with a standard USB-c connection.
For tinnitus sufferers, there are two noise-canceling modes on offer so that their listening experience can be as unhindered as possible.
Active noise canceling cuts interferences from the surrounding environment, while Ambient Sound mode allows for certain signals to pass through.
The latter mode is useful for hearing things like traffic, or incoming phone calls.
Quick Tips For Using Headphones With Tinnitus
- Some users believe that using their headphones can help to soothe the symptoms of tinnitus. However, it’s best to not use your headphones if your tinnitus is already at an uncomfortable level, as isolated audio playback can further irritate the ear canal.
- Even if your ears feel fine after the onset of tinnitus, it’s important to give your ears a healthy break between long periods of listening. Most doctors recommend resting the ears for 15 minutes for every 60 minutes of use.
- When breaking in a new set of headphones, try to first listen to music that doesn’t have any loud or abrasive parts. This practice will allow your ears to adjust naturally before putting excessive strain on them with loud noise levels or intense music.
- Some users believe that listening to music while sleeping can remedy the effects and even cure tinnitus. This idea is a myth and sleeping while listening to music can aggravate and even trigger tinnitus symptoms.
Final Thoughts
There is yet to be a set of headphones that can completely diffuse the onset of tinnitus. At most, headphones can use their canceling properties to lessen the symptoms of tinnitus.
There are a few practices that users can adopt to help prevent the risk of getting tinnitus.
Headphones should always be operated at safe noise levels, and users should always take breaks between every hour of intensive listening.
If you do suffer from tinnitus and wish to purchase headphones, noise-canceling headphones are your best possible option for long-term, safe and enjoyable listening.
Searching for the world’s best headphone brands? Check out The Best Headphone Brands In The World (Our 7 Picks).
FAQ’s
Are headphones better than earphones for tinnitus?
Headphones are generally a smarter choice than earphones for anyone suffering from tinnitus.
Headphones place less pressure on the bones within the inner ear than earphones do, and can be used for longer periods without triggering or aggravating tinnitus symptoms.
Certain earphones on the market offer competitive noise-canceling properties compared to headphones, but the latter is generally a much safer option.
What headphones are good for tinnitus sufferers?
Headphones that offer a smooth frequency response and a reliable noise cancellation design are the best options for tinnitus sufferers.
Popular noise-canceling headphones used by tinnitus sufferers include the Sony WH 1000 XM4’s, the Sennheiser 450 BTs, and the Audio Technica ATH – M50X.