Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, hissing or pulsing sound in your ears that no one else can hear. The symptom affects approximately 50 million people in the United States. For some people, it’s just mildly annoying. For others, it negatively impacts sleep, focus and peace of mind. Either way, it can feel like background noise you just can’t turn off.
While there’s no cure for tinnitus, there are ways to manage it. One effective management tool is sound therapy.
What Is Sound Therapy for Tinnitus?
Sound therapy uses external sounds to either mask or distract from the internal noise of tinnitus. When the brain has other sounds to focus on, tinnitus becomes less noticeable.
You can use sound therapy alone or combine it with auditory counseling from an audiology specialist or cognitive behavioral therapy from a mental health professional. When combined with therapy, you can help train the brain to filter out the ringing, so it fades into the background. Think of it like background chatter in Goldchild Coffee Roasters. You might notice it at first, but eventually, your brain tunes it out.
Common Sound Therapy Methods
There are several tools to use sound to soften the impact of tinnitus:
- White noise machines. These devices produce a constant, soothing sound like static. They’re great for bedtime or quiet moments when tinnitus feels the loudest.
- Hearing aids with built-in tinnitus masking. Many modern hearing aids come with masking features. They’re especially useful if tinnitus is related to hearing loss.
- Phone apps. Apps play ocean waves, birdsong or soft breezes to help soothe tinnitus and stress.
- Fans. A fan delivers steady noise. It’s a great option to try sound masking without purchasing an extra device.
Talk to a Tinnitus Expert
Living with tinnitus can chip away at your quality of life, but ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear. Sound therapy isn’t a magic fix, but it is a great way to make tinnitus more manageable. With consistency, many people find real relief.
Tinnitus management works best when it’s personalized. What helps one person might not work for another, so it’s worth exploring a few options. Better yet, talk with a tinnitus expert who can guide you toward a plan that fits your needs.
Contact San Diego ENT today to schedule an appointment with one of our tinnitus experts.