Tinnitus and Cochlear Implants in Aotearoa New Zealand

Kia ora. If you live with ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ears — that’s tinnitus. For many people with severe–profound hearing loss, a cochlear implant changes everyday hearing and may affect tinnitus too. This page explains the basics in plain language, with practical tips for you and your whānau. It’s general information, not medical advice — please kōrero with your audiologist, surgeon or GP about your own situation.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is hearing a sound when there isn’t an external sound — often a ring, buzz, hiss, hum or whoosh. It can happen at any age. Around 10–15% of adults experience tinnitus at some point, and it’s more common when there’s hearing loss. Among people with severe–profound hearing loss, tinnitus is very common — estimates suggest up to 80% experience it.

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a medical device for people with severe–profound hearing loss who don’t get enough benefit from hearing aids. It has two parts: an external sound processor and an internal implant placed in the cochlea. The goal is improved access to sound and speech. Your implant team will assess if it’s right for you.

Can a cochlear implant improve tinnitus?

Many people notice tinnitus becomes less intrusive after implantation — especially once the implant is set up well and used consistently. Not everyone has this outcome, and a small group (about 5%) report that tinnitus becomes worse or that new tinnitus appears. It’s important to go in with clear expectations and talk through any concerns with your implant team.

Before surgery: what to expect

During your assessment you’ll be asked about tinnitus. Anxiety around surgery can make tinnitus feel louder — that’s common. It can help to hear from others who’ve been through this process in New Zealand Aotearoa.

After surgery and before ‘switch‑on’

Right after the operation, tinnitus might not change, or it may seem louder or different — all of these are normal. Inserting the electrode array can bruise delicate inner‑ear structures; this can temporarily worsen residual hearing but doesn’t affect the final implant outcomes. You’ll usually be asked not to wear a hearing aid in the implanted ear while it heals. With less outside sound, tinnitus can stand out more, and damaged cells may send “false” signals your brain hears as tinnitus. Things typically settle once the processor is switched on and adjusted.

After ‘switch‑on’: tuning, mapping and tinnitus

Your implant is programmed over several appointments (often called mapping or tuning). Each change gives your brain new sound information, and tinnitus can shift while you adapt. Most people find tinnitus settles as settings are fine‑tuned. If you notice a sudden change in tinnitus, let your implant team know. Early on, you’ll also be hearing many new environmental sounds. If you remove the processor and the sound is still there, that’s likely tinnitus; if it disappears, it was probably something in your surroundings.

Practical ways to manage tinnitus with a cochlear implant

Talk to your team. If tinnitus is getting to you at any stage, reach out to your cochlear implant team. Understanding what can turn the volume up (stress, fatigue, silence) and learning coping tools can help.

Keep your gear in good condition. If switching the processor on doesn’t seem to help your tinnitus, ask your audiologist to review your map and check parts that need regular replacement (e.g., microphone filters, cables).

Sleep tips. Night‑time is quiet, so tinnitus can feel louder — especially after you take off the processor. Sound enrichment (for example, a bedside speaker with gentle ambient sound) can make tinnitus less intrusive and help you get to sleep. Some people consider wearing the processor at night, but only do this after talking with your audiologist. If you’re worried about hearing alarms or a child, there are alerting systems that don’t rely on hearing.

Stress and tinana (body). Tinnitus and stress often travel together. Relaxation strategies — with or without sound — can reduce the “edge” and support sleep. If anxiety, low mood or other mental health concerns are in the mix, counselling or psychology can help; your implant team or GP can organise referrals.

Key points to remember

- Tinnitus is common in severe–profound hearing loss.

- A cochlear implant’s primary job is to improve hearing access; tinnitus may improve for many, but not all.

- Changes in tinnitus around surgery and early use are common and usually short‑lived.

- It takes time to adapt. You might hear familiar sounds differently, or notice sounds in places you expect quiet. Be kind to yourself and ask for tautoko (support) when you need it.

Where to get support in Aotearoa

If tinnitus is affecting your day‑to‑day life, please kōrero with your implant team or GP. The Pindrop Foundation is here for people and whānau navigating life with cochlear implants — information, community connections and practical help.
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Important: This page shares general information drawn from internationally recognised tinnitus and cochlear‑implant guidance. It doesn’t replace advice from your own clinicians.

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FAQs

Will a cochlear implant make my tinnitus go away?
It might reduce how noticeable it is, especially when the processor is on and well‑tuned, but there’s no guaranteed “off switch.” A small number of people find tinnitus worsens. Your team will discuss benefits and risks with you.

My tinnitus spiked after surgery — is that normal?
Yes, tinnitus can change between surgery and switch‑on. Not wearing a hearing aid in the implanted ear and inner‑ear healing can make tinnitus more noticeable; this typically settles once your processor is activated and adjusted.

How can I tell if I’m hearing tinnitus or a real sound?
If you take the sound processor off and the sound continues, that points to tinnitus. If it stops, it was likely an environmental sound.

What can I try at night?
Use low‑level background sound to soften the contrast of a quiet bedroom. If you’re anxious about not hearing alarms or tamariki, ask about alerting devices. Only consider wearing the processor at night after advice from your audiologist.

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