Almost 10% of adults worldwide have chronic tinnitus[1] (lasting longer than three months). Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are several ways to manage the symptom. One approach that may help is sound masking.
How Does Sound Therapy Work?
Sound masking introduces an external sound to help take your attention away from tinnitus.
A soothing background sound can give your brain something else to focus on. Over time, this may help reduce the amount of attention you give to your tinnitus and make the symptom feel less intrusive.
Rather than trying to completely eliminate the sound you hear, the goal is to make your tinnitus easier to ignore.
Options for Tinnitus Sound Masking
There are several ways to incorporate sound into your tinnitus management routine. Some common options include:
- White noise and sound machines. A sound machine can provide steady background noise while you relax, work or sleep. You can choose from white noise, pink noise, rainfall, ocean waves and other calming sounds based on what works best for you.
- Hearing aids. Hearing aids can make surrounding sounds easier to hear, which may naturally draw your attention away from tinnitus. Some hearing aids also include built-in tinnitus sound features, allowing you to use sound therapy throughout your day.
- Mobile apps. Tinnitus and relaxation apps offer convenient access to customizable sounds. You can experiment with different tones, nature sounds or other options to find something that helps make your tinnitus less noticeable.
- Fans. A fan is a cheap sound masking tool that also keeps you cool. Running a powerful fan in your room while you sleep can help minimize nighttime tinnitus.
A sound that provides relief for one person may not be comfortable or effective for someone else. Working with a hearing professional can help you identify an approach that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Contact our team at SoundLogic today to schedule your tinnitus evaluation and learn more about your options.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing