White noise machines generate sound intended to partially or fully mask the internal noise a person with tinnitus hears. These machines produce white noise, pink noise, or other ambient sounds to offer the patient relief. Almost any sound-producing device, radio, television, etc., can cover tinnitus symptoms. When you watch a show or listen to an audiobook, your attention is drawn to the dialogue or the story. White noise machines work differently: they use specific types of sounds to alleviate the noise in your ears. The tinnitus masker, like tinnitus itself, then becomes background noise, allowing you to focus or fall asleep. There are even devices that can be customized to your type of tinnitus.
Sound therapy
To live with their tinnitus, patients turn to sound therapy. Sound, or acoustic, therapy was initially conceived as a distraction for people suffering from tinnitus. Doctors used low-intensity sounds as background noise to help manage the condition. White noise machines provide precisely these sounds. Tinnitus maskers and sound therapy have progressed enough that most people can now find relief.
White noise helps tinnitus patients in several ways:
Masking - it covers the internal sounds you hear
Distraction - a new sound can divert your attention from the annoying ringing or buzzing of tinnitus.
Habituation - by regularly hearing a new sound, you train your brain to consider that tinnitus sounds should be ignored because they are less important.
Neuromodulation - if excessive activity in certain areas of the brain is causing the tinnitus, background noise could alter the patterns that trigger this phenomenon.
Some devices can be customized for your specific tinnitus. They play sounds at frequencies and tones adapted to your needs. The sound that will relieve you depends on your symptoms and sensitivities. People who are too sensitive to certain noises, such as flowing water, for example, may not necessarily benefit from white noise. A doctor can help you find the right sound and volume.
Sounds from white noise machines
Each device offers different sound choices.
Broadband noise resembles radio static and comes in several "colors." These different colors, including white, pink, brown, and blue, are produced by distinct musical pitches. The number of vibrations per second determines the pitch, or frequency.
Modulated tones feel like they are pulsing.
Notch sounds emphasize precise frequencies or tones, which can be adjusted to match your tinnitus symptoms.
Music can be relaxing and distracting for some people. Generally, instrumental music at a moderate tempo yields the best results in sound therapy.
Nature sounds can help you relax, but won't necessarily act on the tinnitus noise itself.
White noise machines for tinnitus
Tabletop models - there are many white noise machines to place on a desk or nightstand. Most plug into an outlet, but there are also portable, rechargeable models. Some only play white noise, like the sound of a fan or airflow, but most offer a choice of sounds: crashing waves, music, falling rain, binaural beats. The more sophisticated machines allow you to adjust the pitch or frequency to match your internal noise. Some have a timer you can set to turn off after 30, 60, or 90 minutes.
Headbands - these fleece headbands feature integrated headphones that play soothing sounds or music to help you sleep. They have a rechargeable 20-hour battery and a timer.
Tinnitus sound pillow - these pillows look like regular pillows but integrate stereo speakers. You connect the pillow to a stereo or sound machine to play the sounds you need to relieve your tinnitus while you sleep.
Online sound generator websites - if you suffer from tonal tinnitus, some sites offer concrete help to analyze the frequency you perceive due to tinnitus. Knowing this frequency can help you choose the most suitable tinnitus masker.
If you imagine the ringing or buzzing of your tinnitus as a bright light in a dark room, imagine what would happen to that light if you turned on the ceiling light. It would no longer seem as bright. Sound therapy with a tinnitus masker plays exactly the role of that ceiling light. Thanks to the masking sound, your internal noise seems much less intrusive and less annoying.
