Hearing a ringing in the ears, constantly or infrequently, is the reality for approximately 25 million Americans suffering from tinnitus.[1] Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of sound with no external source. It can be incredibly frustrating, affecting sleep, concentration and overall well-being. Any tinnitus lasting longer than three months[2] is considered chronic and requires effective management strategies to reduce its impact on your quality of life.
Sound masking is one technique that may be able to minimize the presence of tinnitus symptoms.
Understanding Sound Masking
Sound masking uses ambient sound to mask or drown out unwanted noise. It works by introducing a pleasant and consistent background sound that helps to reduce or eliminate the perception of tinnitus. While it can’t completely eliminate tinnitus, the technique can provide relief and make it less noticeable.
How Sound Masking Helps Tinnitus Sufferers
Sound masking works to improve tinnitus symptoms in three ways:
- Masking the ringing sound. Tinnitus often manifests as a persistent ringing sound. By using sound masking, you can introduce a gentle background noise that helps to mask or cover up the ringing. Because your brain cannot focus completely on two sounds at once, the ringing becomes less prominent and distracting.
- Providing relief from tinnitus-related stress and anxiety. Living with tinnitus can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. The constant noise makes it difficult to relax and focus on daily tasks or even enjoy a meal at Proud Pie. Sound masking provides a soothing effect that alleviates tinnitus stress and anxiety.
- Improving focus and sleep quality. Tinnitus disrupts concentration and makes falling or staying asleep challenging. Sound masking creates a consistent and relaxing background noise that improves focus and promotes better sleep quality, enabling you to function better throughout the day.
The impact of sound masking can be huge for tinnitus sufferers. There are a few devices you can use to try out the practice.
Recommended Sound Masking Devices
A few sound masking devices that can help you manage your tinnitus symptoms include:
- Noise machines. These devices produce a broad spectrum of sound, including white noise, pink noise and nature sounds, to mask tinnitus effectively. Noise machines may be marketed towards those with insomnia, anxiety or tinnitus specifically.
- Hearing aids. Hearing aids work similarly to noise machines to mask tinnitus. These small but remarkable devices play white noise or amplify external sounds to distract from tinnitus noise, making them the perfect daily masking tool.
- Tinnitus apps. There are also smartphone apps that offer a range of sound options for tinnitus relief.
- Tinnitus Retraining therapy (TRT) devices. A TRT device plays individualized sound to help you grow accustomed to hearing it. Ideally, the treatment will lessen the emotional impact. You will need to do TRT with one of our licensed tinnitus experts. TRT also has a counseling component that teaches you coping techniques to regulate your reaction to the ringing.
Explore a few of the above sound masking options to find the best solution for you.
To discuss tinnitus management with one of our trusted experts, contact Today’s Hearing.
[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
[2] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (n.d.). Tinnitus. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus