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How Does Sound Masking Help With Tinnitus?

Tinnitus affects an estimated 25 million Americans.[1] The symptom, causing a ringing or buzzing in the ear with no external source, doesn’t have a cure, but there are ways to manage it. One effective form of tinnitus management is sound masking.

What is Sound Masking?

Rear view of a man putting on headphones.

Sound masking uses a soothing external noise to cover tinnitus. Your brain can’t devote 100% of its attention to two noise sources at the same time; the introduction of a soothing sound will divert your attention away from the internal one. The technique will ideally make your tinnitus far less noticeable.

Types of Sound Masking Tools

Anything that produces a soothing sound can be used as a tinnitus-masking tool. A few common options include:

  • Noise machines. Noise machines provide a broad range of soothing sounds—including options like white noise, pink noise and nature sounds—that can help mask tinnitus and make it less noticeable. They’re especially helpful for creating a consistent, calming sound environment at home or while sleeping.
  • Hearing aids. You can use your hearing aids to manage tinnitus everywhere you go, from the comfort of your couch to the busy atmosphere at the Dovetail Café. By amplifying sounds around you and providing gentle masking sounds, hearing aids help shift your focus away from tinnitus.
  • Tinnitus apps. There are also a lot of smartphone apps designed to support tinnitus relief. Many offer customizable relaxation tools you can use whenever you need a little extra support.
  • Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) uses individualized sound therapy to help your brain become more accustomed to tinnitus over time, with the goal of reducing its emotional impact. TRT is guided by one of our licensed tinnitus experts and includes a counseling component that teaches practical strategies for managing your response to tinnitus.

The experts at our tinnitus treatment center take a holistic approach to managing your tinnitus. We’ll ask you questions about your tinnitus history, including the frequency, sound and impact of your ringing and any other factors we feel may be influencing the symptom. Together, we can create a management plan that works for you. Contact Hearing Wellness Center to schedule your tinnitus evaluation.

[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